Real Madrid News
Ligue 1 club president ‘dreams’ of re-signing Real Madrid superstar: “He’s a symbol”
Speaking to RMC Sport (h/t Foot Mercato), Olympique Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has admitted that he dreams of re-signing Real Madrid captain Karim Benzema and would be prepared to take any risks needed to make it happen if there is even a slim possibility.
Benzema came through the youth ranks at Lyon where he attained stardom at a very young age. And in 2009, Real Madrid came calling for the French striker, who has just gone from strength to strength ever since.
Already a legend at the Santiago Bernabeu, Benzema enjoyed a sensational campaign in 2021/22, which ended with him winning the coveted Ballon d’Or award last year.
However, the 35-year-old has been plagued by injury and fitness issues this season, which has hampered Real Madrid on the pitch.
The Los Blancos captain is in the final few months of his contract at the club and even though reports suggest that he has agreed a one-year extension, there has been no official word as of yet and the possibility of him leaving, even if very remote, still exists.
And, if there is such a chance, Aulas claimed that he would love to take Benzema back to Lyon.
“I dream about it every day, but it’s complicated. We’ll try. The more he succeeds at Real Madrid… I was watching the game against Barça yesterday, losing 2-1. Some people didn’t think he was at his best, but I thought he was very good,” said Aulas.
“If we had the possibility and a small chance to bring him back, we would do it by taking all the risks. He’s a symbol.”
Prior to his move to Real Madrid, Benzema played 148 matches for Lyon, scoring 66 goals in the process. The striker returned to his hometown club last year after winning the Ballon d’Or and was given a rapturous ovation from the fans at the Groupama Stadium.
However, a possibility of a return in a playing capacity looks unlikely as Benzema has previously stated that he intends to retire at Real Madrid.
In what will come as a pleasing development for fans, Fabrizio Romano reports that Real Madrid forward Rodrygo could make a comeback from his injury earlier than expected.
The 25-year-old Brazilian international has been out of action since March after suffering an ACL injury during a La Liga game against Getafe.
Due to the complete rupture of the ACL, coupled with associated meniscus damage, it was suggested that the attacker was staring at a lengthy time out on the sidelines and might not return until 2027.
In fact, the forward’s father, Eric Goes, recently stated in an interview that the Real Madrid ace could be back in February next year, just before the business end of the campaign.
Rodrygo could be back in December
However, as per the update from Romano, Rodrygo’s comeback could happen well before that expected date.
Indeed, if things continue to progress at the current rate, the 25-year-old attacker might return to action in December or by January 2027 at the latest.
This will come as a welcome boost for Jose Mourinho & co., considering that Rodrygo is a valuable player for the team.
Even though he had endured a tough spell prior to his form, the Brazilian’s versatility, work rate off the ball, and eye for a goal make him an asset.
Rodrygo eager to be back at his best
The update from Romano further states that Rodrygo feels very grateful to Real Madrid for all the help and support they have given him during this difficult phase of his career.
As such, the Brazilian international has made it a mission to return to action in the best shape possible and make an impact from the get-go.
The attacker has only recently begun working on the pitch with the ball indicating the significant progress he has made on the road to recovery.
And, if there are no setbacks, Real Madrid could recover one of their ace attackers before the end of the current year.
So far in his career, Rodrygo has made 297 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 71 goals. He has a contract with the club until 2028.
