LaLiga: Benzema leaves door open for Real Madrid return, defends Vinicius

Al Ittihad forward Karim Benzema has hinted at a potential return to Real Madrid, just years after he left the Spanish capital.

Benzema departed the Spanish giants as a free agent in July 2023 after 14 highly successful years at the club, during which he won multiple domestic and European titles, as well as the Ballon d’Or.

‘It’s possible’

In an interview with AS, the French forward suggested he would find it hard to turn down a move back to Madrid, particularly if club president Florentino Perez requests it.

“If Florentino [Perez] is still there, it could happen, it could happen,” Benzema said.

“I talk to him and it’s possible. I’m a Real Madrid fan. I feel it in my soul. Madrid is still my city, I feel like a Real Madrid fan and a Madrileno. We’ll see what happens. If he’s there…”

Benzema defends former teammate Vinicius

Speaking about the recent criticism of his former teammate Vinicius Jr., Benzema said: “Don’t forget what Vini Jr did for Real Madrid, it will not be fair at all. He’s a very good kid, with a big heart, who wants to learn, he’s phenomenal”.

“People put a lot of pressure on him. He can do more, but you can’t say he’s bad now”

Benzema is currently under contract with Al Ittihad until June 2026, leaving open the possibility of a mid or post-season return to the Bernabéu.