Real Madrid News
Benzema gets emotional at farewell event: “Real Madrid will always be my family”
This past weekend, it was confirmed that Real Madrid captain and club legend Karim Benzema will leave the club imminently.
The 35-year-old superstar striker’s contract was expiring on June 30, but a renewal until 2024 was believed to have been in place after he won the Ballon d’Or last year.
However, a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia was too tempting for the French forward, who decided to part ways with Real Madrid in exchange for an adventure in the Middle East.
Given his status at the club, Real Madrid held a special farewell ceremony for Benzema today, which was attended by several of his teammates, manager Carlo Ancelotti, president Florentino Perez and club legends such as Roberto Carlos.
During the event, Benzema addressed those present and spoke of his love for Real Madrid, stating that he is what he is today because of the club, while calling the Merengues the greatest team.
“Hello everyone. It’s difficult to talk now. I want to thank everyone. Thank you Presi for bringing me here. I’ll never forget. Real Madrid is the greatest. But now it’s time to leave,” he said.
“This is a sad day. I leave my club… I have always said I would have retired here but things do not always happen. I will always watch Real Madrid games and support the team.”
“I’m who I am because of this club, thank you very much,” Benzema added.
Further underlining his feelings for the club, the Frenchman stated that Real Madrid will always be his family.
“Real Madrid will always be my family. Many thanks to the president. I have been able to realize my dream. I will never forget Real Madrid because it is the best club in the world and in history,” he said.
Benzema signed off with these words: “As I said the first day, 1, 2, 3… Hala Madrid!”
Source: Real Madrid Twitter
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
