Al-Ittihad Star Benzema Breaks Silence on Transfer Request Claim

Karim Benzema, a striker linked to Manchester United, has responded to rumours that he submitted a transfer request to Al-Ittihad.

The 36-year-old striker reportedly told AFP that he wanted to leave Al-Ittihad after manager Marcelo Gallardo kept him off the team. After Benzema arrived at training 17 days late, the manager chose to leave him out. The former Real Madrid forward attributed his tardiness to the inclement weather in Mauritius. The striker has finally put an end to any rumours regarding his whereabouts, implying that despite having difficulties adjusting to his new environment, he has no intention of leaving Saudi Arabia.

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As per L’Equipe, Benzema said: “It’s completely false! The French media don’t know what to invent any more. The bigger the better.”

Benzema would have no dearth of suitors if he were to leave Al-Ittihad as a host of top European clubs are already lining up to get his services. United are said to be interested in a loan deal for the Ballon d’Or winner, while Chelsea and Arsenal are also reportedly monitoring his situation. A potential return to Lyon has also been mooted, but Real Madrid have distanced themselves from their former frontman.

According to reports, Benzema is training in Riyadh according to a customised regimen to regain match fitness following a long winter layoff. In order to train under Gallardo before playing again against Al-Faisaly in the King Cup of Champions quarterfinals, the rest of his teammates have flown to Dubai.