Some big news today from Real Madrid ending speculation of Karim Benzema to Arsenal – at least until 2021 – as they confirmed on their official website that the striker has extended his contract until June 30, 2021.
There have been frequent whispers over the past three or four transfer windows of Arsenal attempting to sanction a move for the Frenchman, but these rumours have persistently failed to come into fruition.
Karim Benzema holding up a special Real Madrid shirt after signing a new contract yesterday.
2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣1️⃣ pic.twitter.com/r0nah4kel7
— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) September 21, 2017
Benzema joined Los Blancos in 2009 from Ligue 1 side Lyon for €35 million. Since his time at the Santiago Bernabeu, he has won 14 trophies with 3 Champions League, and two La Liga titles. The French number 9 has followed some of his other teammates in a contract extension, such as Isco and Dani Carvajal.
His signing has come as a shock to some fans and pundits, as he hasn’t been the greatest of form lately nor has he been a full season striker. In light of this, Benzema was rumoured to be on his way out of the club to Arsenal with transfer rumours surrounding his status with the Champions League holders.
In his press conference earlier today, Benzema was very humble and complimentary of the Spanish giants,
“The club has been like a family to me in some of the toughest moments of my career. The people here have always been a real rock for me, both on and off the field. From the day I arrived, the president and the people who work at the club have supported me and I feel really at ease here, I’ve always wanted to stay. This is the best place for me to be, I want to retire here because there is no other club like it. I think this club will be my last”.
💬 @Benzema: "I am really happy to continue my career at the best club in the world."
READ: https://t.co/T3QTS8osom 📰#Benzema2021 pic.twitter.com/oQFgdKbGZQ
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) September 21, 2017
Given that his new contract will expire in June of 2021, this will put him a little over 33, which only means that in that time a new striker will be signed and slowly take the reins of the position he cemented for nearly a decade.
Karim would like to retire with Real Madrid saying, “I want to retire here because there is no other club like it.”
The Big Benz also was asked about his injury and rehab as fans and coaches hope to see him back in the lineup very soon,
“I’m working to get back to full fitness as quickly as possible. I don’t know exactly when that will be. We have not made the best of starts in LaLiga. But that does not matter too much, I have every faith in the team. We work together and we’re just getting started. We are seven points behind the league leaders, but we’re united. Last year we won an incredible amount and we are Real Madrid, so in the next game I’m certain we will start to stop the rot”.
Zinedine Zidane will need to rely on Borja Mayoral at striker or move Gareth Bale or Cristiano Ronaldo centrally.
