Real Madrid News
Real Madrid legend has agreement to return to club as an ambassador post retirement
It was in the summer of 2023 when Karim Benzema bid goodbye to Real Madrid, bringing an end to an illustrious spell at the club, capped by a Ballon d’Or triumph.
The 38-year-old striker left the Santiago Bernabeu after 14 years, joining Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, where he has continued to perform strongly.
Benzema has open invitation over Real Madrid return
Benzema was in attendance last night as Real Madrid squared off against Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup.
As it so happens, the former French international is understood to have an agreement with Los Blancos over a future return to the club.
Indeed, according to journalist Jorge C Picon, Benzema has an open invitation to return to Real Madrid. So much so that he has already agreed to a position as an ambassador once he retires from playing.
It hardly comes as a surprise considering the strong bond that Benzema shares with Real Madrid and club president Florentino Perez.
Talking about the possibility in a recent interview, Benzema said: “Real Madrid return? If Florentino is still there, it could happen. I talk to him and it’s possible.”
“I’m a Madridista. I feel it in my soul. Madrid is still my city. We’ll see what happens,” he added.
The 38-year-old icon left the club after having made nearly 650 appearances in which he scored 354 goals. He won five UEFA Champions League crowns, four La Liga titles, three Copa del Rey trophies, and three Spanish Super Cups, along with several other accolades.
Benzema’s current contract with Al-Ittihad stands to expire at the end of the ongoing season. So far, there has been no hint that he is thinking of retirement at the moment.
But when he does hang up his boots, the Frenchman will return to Real Madrid as an ambassador.
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.
