Karim Benzema agrees to extend contract with Real Madrid to 2021
Some big news today from Real Madrid as they confirmed on their official website that striker Karim Benzema has extended his contract until June 30, 2021.
The French number 9 joined Los Blancos in 2009 from Ligue 1 side Lyon for €35 million. Since his time at the Bernabeu, he has won 14 trophies with the club including 3 Champions League titles. Karim has followed some of his other teammates in a contract extension, such as Dani Carvajal and Isco.
Benzema’s signing has come as a shock to some fans and pundits, as the Frenchman hasn’t been the greatest of form lately nor has he been credited as being a full season striker. He was rumored to be on his way out of the club with transfer rumors surrounding his status with Los Blancos.
In his press conference earlier today, Karim 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”."
Given that his contract will expire in June of 2021, this will put Karim a little over 33, which only means that in that time a new striker will be signed and slowly take the helm of the position he has 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.
Next: Real Madrid: How has Borja Mayoral performed so far?