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Tag: Benzema

  • What Ronaldo and I discussed at end of Euro clash – Benzema

    What Ronaldo and I discussed at end of Euro clash – Benzema

    Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema was happy to see former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo last night.

    Benzema caught up with the Juventus star at the end of France’s 2-2 draw with Portugal in their final Euroa 2020 group game.

    Benzema said, “It’s nice to see him again, after the long way we have come up together …

    “We played eight-nine years as the front two at Real Madrid, we scored goals, won trophies.

    “We exchanged, we wished each other good luck for the future in the club and national team and especially to continue to have fun on the field and continue to make a difference.”

  • Ronaldo loved Benzema at Real Madrid – Mourinho

    Ronaldo loved Benzema at Real Madrid – Mourinho

    New Roma coach Jose Mourinho has paid tribute to Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.

    Mourinho worked with Benzema during his time in charge of Real Madrid.

    He told The Sun: “The best compliment you can give Karim Benzema is that Cristiano Ronaldo was in love with him at Real Madrid.

    “Karim is probably the only number 9 I know who is not selfish in his game. His vision is amazing, the way he enjoys his football is to play with great freedom.

    “Karim will bring out the best of (France teammate Kylian) Mbappé, as he did in Madrid with Cristiano.”

  • I’m the happiest man in the world – Benzema

    I’m the happiest man in the world – Benzema

    Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema admits he’s delighted to be part of the France squad.

    Benzema is excited to be back after a five year absence.

    He told Marca: “Sure, I feel like the happiest man in the world. For me, what makes me happiest is my family and football. And I am happy in Madrid, and nothing that I have returned with France to play the European Championship, I can only be proud, happy and looking forward to starting the tournament.

    “It is a very, very strong team throughout, from the goalkeeper to the midfield and the attacks… with players in the best clubs in the world. Then speaking of the favourite is more something that is spoken of outside of here. We know the strength that we have in this team, although you have to show it.

    “Many things have happened after and a lot of time has passed. We have won the World Cup, we have been in the final of the European Championship… I only want to enjoy and win the match. It’s clear that playing against Toni will be different because I am used to playing with him, he plays the ball to me a lot and now he will be my opponent.”

  • Let Mbappe join Real Madrid quickly – Benzema

    Let Mbappe join Real Madrid quickly – Benzema

    Karim Benzema has again talked up the prospect of PSG striker Kylian Mbappe joining him at Real Madrid.

    While reports suggesting that Mbappe is Los Blancos’ No.1 transfer target are nothing new, the relationship between Benzema and the Paris Saint-Germain striker has supporters in Spain dreaming of seeing them team up in the capital.

    “If he wants to leave PSG, then let him come to Madrid quickly,” Benzema said in an interview with AFP, describing the idea of Mbappe joining him as being “ideal”.

    “All of the great players want to come to Real Madrid. He’s agile, fast, efficient and knows how to do everything.”

  • Every France player happy with Benzema return – Sissoko

    Every France player happy with Benzema return – Sissoko

    Tottenham midfielder Moussa Sissoko says Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema’s recall is a huge boost for France’s Euros chances.

    Benzema played in last night’s friendly win against Wales.

    Sissoko told Foot Mercato: “It is a real pleasure to find him. It is well deserved. For me, as for the other players I think, it’s a great pleasure to be able to play alongside him.

    “For the past five years, he has been one of the best strikers in the world. For me, they were two-three with him. What he achieves at Real Madrid is incredible. We saw a lot of strikers move to Real Madrid, but he always stayed, he always played and scored his goals. This, despite criticism.

    “I have immense respect for his career. It is a great joy to be able to count on him. It must be a great pride for Karim to be back in the France team because it was something that was close to his heart.

    “A player of this quality can only be a plus for the French team. We know the quality players we have. Karim will add even more to the team. So much the better for us.”

  • Deschamps insists Giroud and Benzema sit with eachother at France meals

    Deschamps insists Giroud and Benzema sit with eachother at France meals

    Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud will be seated next to Real Madrid ace Karim Benzema during France’s team meals at Clairefontaine.

    Prior to his recall, Benzema took aim at Giroud in the press over his place in France’s squad.

    L’Equipe says coach Didier Deschamps has placed the Madrid star in a rather awkward position during meals at the French training base.

    The 33-year-old will be sat next to Chelsea star Giroud, as well as Antoine Griezmann, Leo Dubois, Raphael Varane, Lucas Hernandez, Benjamin Pavard and Hugo Lloris.

    Benzema’s return has come as a huge boost for Deschamps, who already boasts a very strong squad. The 33-year-old’s inclusion makes the reigning world champions strong contenders to lift the trophy at Wembley on July 11.

  • Zidane won’t leave Real Madrid – Benzema

    Zidane won’t leave Real Madrid – Benzema

    Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema is confident coach Zinedine Zidane will remain in charge next season.

    There are doubts around Zidane’s future after a trophyless season at Real Madrid.

    But Benzema says: “I do not agree that it is said that it is the fault of the group because we had 60 injuries. At no time were we able to play with all our players. It has been a complicated season. But we reached the semifinals of the Champions League, and we fought to the end in La Liga. We could have won it all, but we lost it.

    “Zizou has always been sincere with me. When I don’t play, he is sincere and when I have been ignored by France, too. I respect him a lot because he is very direct with me. He gives me a lot of confidence on the pitch.

    “Until now, Zidane is Real Madrid’s coach. I don’t see him leaving. He won’t leave, you’ll see. If he leaves, he leaves, but for the moment, I don’t see a Madrid without Zidane.”

  • Benzema in, Martial misses out on France Euro 2020 squad

    Benzema in, Martial misses out on France Euro 2020 squad

    Karim Benzema has received a sensational recall to the France squad for Euro 2020, over five years since he last represented his country.

    The Real Madrid striker scored twice in a 4-0 win over Armenia in October 2015, taking his tally to 27 international goals.

    Benzema then became embroiled in a blackmail scandal involving Les Bleus team-mate Mathieu Valbuena in the weeks after that game.

    He has been subsequently overlooked by national team manager Didier Deschamps, in spite of his outstanding form at club level.

    However, the 33-year-old —- who has scored 29 goals in all competitions for Real Madrid this season —- is undoubtedly the eye-catching name in France’s 26-man party for the upcoming tournament.

    By this, he has added further depth upfront for the reigning world champions.

    “We met, we spoke at length, I then thought very hard and came to make this decision,” Deschamps said of the decision to bring Benzema back in from the cold.

    “I needed this chat, he needed this chat. I don’t want to make this a specific case. As national team manager, I have always looked beyond my personal case. My responsibility is important, but it is bigger than me.”

    There is also a place for Borussia Monchengladbach forward Marcus Thuram, as well as Sevilla defender Jules Kounde.

    Anthony Martial, however, misses out due to fitness concerns.

    The forward suffered a knee injury while playing for France in March, though he could make a return to action for Manchester United before the end of the season.

    “Anthony Martial would have been here but he is not available. His condition does not allow it,” Deschamps revealed during a press conference.

    Teenage midfielder Eduardo Camavinga —- heavily linked with Real Madrid —- is another notable absentee, along with Rennes team-Steven Nzonzi.

    There is also no place for Real Madrid left-back Ferland Mendy.

    France will play friendly fixtures against Wales and Bulgaria ahead of the delayed European Championship, which was pushed back a year due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

    Deschamps’ side start their Group F campaign against Germany on June 15, followed four days later by a clash with Hungary.

    They complete their round-robin campaign on June 23 by taking on Portugal, the team which defeated them in the Euro 2016 final in Paris.

  • Ferguson was desperate to sign Benzema – Ferdinand

    Ferguson was desperate to sign Benzema – Ferdinand

    Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand reveals Sir Alex Ferguson had to be pulled away by Lyon officials to stop him speaking with Karim Benzema.

    United faced off against Benzema’s Lyon in the Champions League back in the 2007/08 season.

    And Sir Alex was a massive fan of the Frenchman, who eventually joined Real Madrid in 2009.

    Speaking about facing Benzema for United back in 2008, Ferdinand told BT Sport: “The first time I played against him, Sir Alex Ferguson wanted to sign him.

    “He was speaking to him in the tunnel after the game and Lyon officials had to pull him away. His movement that day was brilliant.”

  • Benzema secures point for Real in Madrid derby

    Benzema secures point for Real in Madrid derby

    Karim Benzema scored a late equaliser as Real Madrid prevented city rivals Atletico Madrid from moving five points clear at the top of La Liga.

    France striker Benzema was earlier denied several times by keeper Jan Oblak at the Wanda Metropolitano.

    Luis Suarez scored the opener, which Kieran Trippier helped create on his return from a 10-week ban for betting.

    Atletico are three points clear of Barcelona and five ahead of third-placed Real.

    England right-back Trippier, who was suspended in December and fined £70,000 after a Football Association panel found he broke betting rules, was bright throughout for the hosts.

    He started the move for Atletico’s goal, finding Marcos Llorente with a clever pass from defence.

    A fine first touch from the Spanish midfielder helped him race clear before he slid the ball to Suarez, who beat Thibaut Courtois with a well-placed shot with the outside of his boot.

    Real were denied a penalty for handball before the break, with referee Alejandro Hernandez watching several replays before deciding against awarding a spot-kick after the ball appeared to strike Felipe’s arm.

    Courtois made a string of crucial saves after the break, denying Yannick Carrasco and twice keeping Suarez out.

    At the other end Oblak made an excellent double save from Benzema with 10 minutes remaining, but Benzema could not be denied the equaliser after neatly exchanging passes with Casemiro in the penalty area.

    BBC