Real Madrid News
Benzema talks following his Chelsea hattrick: “I know I’m a Real Madrid legend”
To say that Karim Benzema is single-handedly deciding Real Madrid’s season would not be unjustified. The Frenchman has been on a different level this season and continues going to higher peaks.
A second-half hat-trick from the forward helped Los Blancos pull off an incredible comeback against PSG in the Round of 16 of the Champions League.
Yet, Benzema did not stop there. He once again scored three goals past Chelsea yesterday to put his side in the driver’s seat in the quarterfinals.
Benzema spoke to L’Equipe after the game, and commented on his impact on the team and Cristiano Ronaldo amongst other topics.
When asked about his incredible performances for the club and what it means to him, Benzema said, “I know I’m a Real Madrid legend.”
Zinedine Zidane has been an integral part of Real Madrid, both as player and coach. It was under the French manager that Benzema took his game and numbers to the next level. “Zidane is family for me,” commented Benzema.
A lot has been said about how Benzema was subdued at the club by Cristiano Ronaldo. The popular opinion is that the striker could have many more goals to his name in the Portuguese international’s absence.
However, the Frenchman instantly rejected any such claims and reaped praise on his former teammate. Speaking about Ronaldo, he said, “People talk about how much I helped Cristiano, but he really helped me a lot too. He’s the player who gave me the most assists.”
Real Madrid have finally received some good news as MARCA confirms that Nacho has finally made his decision about his future, and is set to continue at the club for the foreseeable future.
His contract expires in the summer, and Real Madrid had tabled an extension for the player, which was not accepted by the Spaniard at the time. Now, however, he has decided to reject offers from Juventus, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and AC Milan.
Nacho will sign a one year extension, with the option to extend for another year if both parties reach an agreement.
His continuity also means that he will be the new club captain for the 2023/24 season, since Karim Benzema is leaving the club on a free transfer in the summer. Luka Modric will be second captain, followed by Daniel Carvajal and Toni Kroos.
Carlo Ancelotti has also spoken to the player, confirming that they trust him for next season in the team, which has gone a long way in helping convince the player.
The Italian gaffer also spoke about the Spanish defender’s contract situation after the game against Athletic Club yesterday, saying:
“Asensio, Nacho and Ceballos? We have explained them their roles. The club have offered them renewals. Asensio has preferred to leave, Ceballos and Nacho are still thinking about it.”
While a centre-back by trade, Nacho has played across the defence for Madrid continuously, including putting shifts at left-back, right-back, and even centre-back.
His departure would have probably pushed Madrid to sign another defender, especially since they are considering selling Ferland Mendy if a good offer arrives.
Regardless of that, though, Madrid are moving to sign Alphonso Davies, and have already made initial contacts with the player. Bayern Munich have not rejected their advances.
Further, the los blancos management have already met with Davies’ entourage twice, cementing their interest in the Canadian ace.
