By Jude Summerfield
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".
Benzema left Real Madrid in 2023 after a glistening end to his Los Blancos career which had seen him win the Ballon d'Or the previous year. However, the January transfer window saw him linked with Premier League sides Chelsea and Manchester United.
The former France international missed Al Ittihad's return to training from their mid-season break, being left in Mauritius due to a cyclone warning, while an alleged spat with manager Marcelo Gallardo has also seen speculation over his future increase.
Benzema was said to have been excluded from first-team training after returning late and missed both their Saudi Pro League game against Al Tai and the Asian Champions League clash with Navbahor Namangan in Uzbekistan.
He was reported to have 'stormed out of training' earlier in February but has now featured in their past two games and the 36-year-old has quashed talk suggesting he is unhappy in Saudi Arabia, claiming he has no issues with former River Plate boss Gallardo.
"I am back and now I am better. The story of my departure is not true and I am happy in Saudi Arabia. I have no problems with Gallardo, all those who say I want to return to Europe are liars. I am very happy at Al-Ittihad. For my part, I have no problems with anyone. Ask the coach about my absence, I was ready for the training camp in Dubai."
Al Ittihad face a tough task in retaining their Saudi Pro League title, currently sitting fifth and a whopping 22 points behind leaders Al Hilal. Abderrazak Hamdallah is their top scorer in the league with 13 goals, with Benzema lagging behind on nine from 16 games.
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This article was originally published on 90min.com as Karim Benzema blasts 'liars' for manager spat rumours at Al Ittihad.
