- Benzema was linked with Chelsea and Man Utd during January transfer window
- Former Real Madrid striker missed return to training due to cyclone
- 36-year-old insists he has no issues with manager Marcelo Gallardo
Karim Benzema has issued a scolding response to suggestions he is unhappy at Saudi Pro League club Al Ittihad, claiming reports of his desire to return to Europe in January came from “liars”.
Following a glittering conclusion to his career with Los Blancos, which had culminated in his being awarded the Ballon d’Or the previous year, Benzema parted ways with Real Madrid in the year 2023. During the transfer window that took place in January, however, he was connected with Manchester United and Chelsea, both of which are Premier League clubs.
After being abandoned in Mauritius owing to a cyclone warning, the former France international did not return to training with Al Ittihad after their midseason break. Additionally, speculation about his future rise has been fueled by an apparent altercation with manager Marcelo Gallardo.
It was reported that Benzema was not allowed to participate in first-team training because he arrived late. As a result, he was unable to play in the Saudi Pro League match against Al Tai as well as the Asian Champions League match against Navbahor Namangan in Uzbekistan.
Earlier in February, it was claimed that he had “stormed out of training.” However, he has since participated in their two most recent games. The 36-year-old player has refuted rumors that he is dissatisfied with his current position in Saudi Arabia, asserting that he does not have any problems with Gallardo, who was the manager of River Plate in the past.
I am back, and I am feeling much better now. I am content in Saudi Arabia, contrary to the fact that the rumor about my leaving is not accurate. When it comes to Gallardo, I have no issues with him, and anybody who claims that I wish to go back to Europe is lying. I am pleased with my life at Al-Ittihad. For my part, I do not have any issues with any of the people. The coach should be questioned about my absence; I was prepared to participate in the training camp in Dubai.
The Saudi Pro League championship is presently held by Al Ittihad, who are now in fifth place and a staggering 22 points behind the leaders, Al Hilal. Al Ittihad will have a difficult time defending their title. In the league, Abderrazak Hamdallah is the player who has scored the most goals, with thirteen, while Benzema is in second place with nine goals from sixteen games.
