Karim Benzema and Jose Mourinho—two names without end tied to the golden period of Actual Madrid—are as soon as once more being talked about in the identical breath. Stories in Portugal and France have linked the pair with a shocking reunion at Benfica, a membership now beneath the stewardship of Mourinho. The concept of the French striker buying and selling Saudi Arabia for Lisbon lit up headlines, but the fact seems extra sophisticated than followers had hoped.
The whispers of a transfer intensified after Mourinho’s current appointment as Benfica coach. He has been tasked with restoring the membership’s edge each domestically and in Europe, and naturally, hypothesis grew that he would possibly flip to an outdated ally. A return for Benzema, now 37 and nonetheless prolific in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ittihad, wouldn’t solely bolster the Eagles’ assault but in addition increase its worldwide profile.
The hypothesis had weight due to the duo’s shared historical past at Actual Madrid. Between 2010 and 2013, Mourinho oversaw Benzema’s transformation into one in all Europe’s deadliest forwards. Throughout 150 appearances, the French striker scored 78 objectives beneath the Portuguese coach, serving to Madrid win La Liga and the Copa del Rey.
That interval laid the foundations for Benzema’s later success, culminating in a Ballon d’Or in 2022. For Benfica followers, the considered rekindling that partnership could possibly be tantalizing. However simply as the thrill peaked, the skilled tactitian delivered a agency response—one that exposed the place the Frenchman’s future really lies.
Karim Benzema of Actual Madrid shakes fingers with head coach Jose Mourinho
Mourinho’s agency eight phrases
When requested about the opportunity of bringing his former striker again to Europe, the ‘Particular One’ lower by the hypothesis with a blunt dismissal. Talking at his press convention, he stated: “The very last thing on his thoughts is Europe return – and on this case, to a workforce like ours.”
The Portuguese coach doubled down, explaining that Benzema is settled each professionally and financially at Al-Ittihad. “He’ll keep there; he’s been comfortable and received titles, and he’s in an enviable monetary scenario. While you go away top-level European soccer, at this age, for Saudi Arabia, I don’t assume the aim is to return,” Mourinho advised reporters.
Mourinho himself continued to pour chilly water on the thought, including: “This story, though I haven’t requested anybody internally… I’d virtually enterprise to say there’s no chance, nor do I fairly perceive how Karim’s identify bought up to now.”
