Arsenal Real Madrid Legend Reveals Plans to Return to Club

Karim Benzema, one of Real Madrid’s greatest-ever strikers, has spoken about his future beyond his playing career. The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, who left the club in 2023 after an illustrious 14-year spell, has expressed his desire to return to the Santiago Bernabéu in some capacity once he retires from professional football.

Benzema’s time at Real Madrid was nothing short of legendary. Arriving from Lyon in 2009, he gradually established himself as a key figure in the club’s attack, ultimately leading the team as captain during his final years. Over the course of his career in the Spanish capital, the Frenchman won an astonishing 25 trophies, including five UEFA Champions League titles, solidifying his status among the club’s all-time greats.

Despite his departure, Benzema’s connection with Real Madrid remains strong. The striker, now 37 years old and playing in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ittihad, has hinted at his ambition to return to the club where he became a global icon. In an interview on the Spanish show Los Amigos de Edu, hosted by journalist Edu Aguirre, Benzema openly discussed his future plans and his strong bond with the Madrid hierarchy.

“When I retire, I want to be close to football,” Benzema said, acknowledging that his next steps in the sport may be more challenging than playing itself. “I don’t know exactly in what capacity, but what I do know is that I want to be close to [Real Madrid President] Florentino Pérez when I retire.”

Benzema revealed that he recently visited Madrid and spent time with Pérez, further reinforcing his ties with the club. The Frenchman spoke with admiration about his former president, highlighting the key role Pérez played in his career. “Florentino was the first person I called when I decided I was leaving,” he disclosed. “He didn’t fully understand my decision, but I explained to him that young players like Vinícius [Jr.] and Rodrygo were ready to take over.”

The respect between Benzema and Pérez is mutual. The Real Madrid president has often spoken highly of the striker, praising his professionalism, leadership, and contribution to the club’s incredible success over the years. Given their strong relationship, a potential return in some capacity seems entirely plausible.

Although Benzema did not specify what role he envisions for himself at Real Madrid, many fans speculate that he could return as a club ambassador, coach, or even in a management position. Given his deep understanding of the club’s culture, his experience in the locker room, and his strong relationship with current players, Benzema’s return could be a valuable asset for the club’s future.

The Frenchman’s departure in 2023 marked the end of an era at Real Madrid. His final season saw him lead the team to another La Liga title while also surpassing the 350-goal mark for the club, an extraordinary feat that places him among Madrid’s greatest-ever goal scorers.

While his club career flourished, Benzema’s international career with France was more turbulent. Despite being one of his generation’s most talented strikers, he was excluded from the national team for several years due to off-field controversies. However, he made a triumphant return in 2021, featuring in the UEFA European Championship and later lifting the UEFA Nations League trophy with Les Bleus.

Benzema eventually stepped away from international football in 2022, just before the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Over the course of 97 caps for France, he scored 37 goals, a tally that could have been significantly higher had he remained a consistent presence in the national team.

Even while playing in Saudi Arabia, Benzema has continued to follow Real Madrid’s progress closely. He has spoken highly of the current squad, particularly the younger players who have stepped up in his absence. Players like Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham have carried the attacking responsibility, showing that the transition from the Benzema era to a new generation has been seamless.

For Madridistas, the idea of Benzema returning to the club is an exciting one. He is not just a former player; he is a symbol of Real Madrid’s resilience, excellence, and winning mentality. His potential comeback in a non-playing role would reinforce the club’s tradition of keeping its legends close, following in the footsteps of figures like Zinedine Zidane and Raúl.

As Real Madrid continues to build for the future, the presence of former icons like Benzema could prove invaluable. Whether he takes up a coaching role, an advisory position, or even joins the club’s management, his influence would undoubtedly benefit the institution that shaped his career.

Benzema’s love for Real Madrid is undeniable, and while his journey as a player is nearing its end, his story with Los Blancos may just be entering a new chapter. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how and when the legendary striker makes his return to the Santiago Bernabéu.