“It’s completely false,” Karim Benzema breaks silence on rumors about demanding exit from Al-Ittihad

Karim Benzema has criticized French media, claiming that the bigger the rumor, the better it is for them.

“It’s completely false,” Karim Benzema breaks silence on rumors about demanding exit from Al-Ittihad

Karim Benzema has quashed all rumors of a potential exit from Al-Ittihad. (via Outlook)

Former Real Madrid star Karim Benzema has opened up about his future at Saudi PL side Al-Ittihad, amid interest from top Premier League clubs like Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea. The Frenchman has dismissed rumors of a desire to depart the Saudi Pro League. The 36-year-old forward joined Al-Ittihad at the end of his Real Madrid contract, last summer on a free transfer.

However, reports have claimed that the Frenchman recently did not return to training on time and has since expressed his desire to depart the club. The former Lyon forward, who enjoyed a remarkable stint at Real Madrid, has faced challenges in the Saudi league. Despite scoring 15 goals in 24 appearances this season, his team has not performed very well, currently occupying a disappointing 7th position on the SPL table.

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Karim Benzema and his representatives reportedly met with Al-Ittihad officials to discuss his future amid Premier League interest. The club seems upset over the player arriving 17 days late for the winter training. However, Benzema in a recent interaction with L’Equipe has shut down suggestions that he might leave Al-Ittihad during the current transfer window, and has blamed the French media for publishing false information. He criticized the media for creating unnecessary rumors, adding that the bigger the news, the better it is for them.

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It's completely false! The French media don't know what to invent any more. The bigger the better.

Furthermore, the player insisted that he is happy at the Saudi club, and hopes to continue with them for the upcoming seasons as well. Benzema’s revelation also comes as a major shock to his former club Lyon, who were hoping to sign him back.

Related: Man United legend claims the club should ‘150 percent’ sign Karim Benzema from Saudi Arabia

Karim Benzema’s performance and statistics since joining Al-Ittihad

French forward Karim Benzema joined Saudi PL side Al-Ittihad on a free transfer from Spanish giants Real Madrid, after enjoying an illustrious 14 seasons at the club. Since moving to the middle eastern league, he has enjoyed partial success, while struggling to replicate his previous goal-scoring form.

Benzema Al-Ittihad
Karim Benzema signed for Al-Ittihad last summer, from Real Madrid. (via Al-Jazeera)

The 36-year-old enjoyed a brilliant career at Real Madrid, winning the UCL five times, the La Liga four times, as well as a Ballon d’Or trophy in 2022. At Al-Ittihad, the Frenchman has made 20 appearances, scoring 12 goals and providing five assists.

He scored a goal and assisted one in his debut match for the club at the Arab Champions Cup, leading Al-Ittihad to the quarterfinals of the tournament. Known for his unique style, finishing, and skillful play-making, he carries the responsibility of defending Ittihad’s Saudi PL title as the captain. The team currently sits at the 7th position in the SPL table.

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