Real Madrid’s star striker, Karim Benzema, chose to keep his future plans close to his chest when questioned about the recent rumors linking him to a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia.
During an awards ceremony hosted by Marca, the 35-year-old Frenchman brushed off the speculation, stating that “reality is not the internet.”
Benzema has enjoyed a remarkable 14-year career at Real Madrid, collecting numerous trophies along the way. However, reports have surfaced suggesting that he may join his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia for the upcoming season. Despite the persistent rumors, Benzema declined to provide any insights into his next career move.
“Why am I going to talk about the future if I am in Madrid?” responded Benzema when asked about his plans. “The thing that is talking is the internet, and reality is not the internet.”
Al Ittihad, recently crowned champions of the Saudi Pro League, is said to be interested in acquiring the services of the former Lyon striker. Al Nassr, the club where Ronaldo currently plies his trade, narrowly missed out on the league title to their rivals. The Pro League is expected to witness an influx of high-profile stars this summer, with Lionel Messi, Argentina’s World Cup-winning captain, among the rumored signings. Messi’s contract with Paris Saint-Germain is set to expire, and there is growing confidence that he will join the record 18-time champions Hilal.
In addition to Messi, several other prominent names have been linked with moves to Saudi Arabia, including Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Angel Di Maria, N’Golo Kante, and Sadio Mane. The prospect of such established players gracing the Pro League has created a sense of excitement among football enthusiasts in Saudi Arabia.
Karim Benzema’s achievements on the field cannot be overstated. The French striker, who was recently crowned the Ballon d’Or winner, has been instrumental in Real Madrid’s success over the years. With an impressive tally of five Champions League titles and four La Liga championships, he has firmly etched his name in the club’s history books. Moreover, Benzema holds the distinction of being Real Madrid’s second-highest goal scorer, having netted 353 goals during his tenure.
While speculation surrounding Benzema’s future continues to circulate, fans and pundits alike will have to wait for an official announcement to confirm whether the esteemed striker will depart Real Madrid for Saudi Arabia. Until then, the football world eagerly anticipates what lies ahead for one of the game’s most celebrated figures.
