Following a bust-up with the management of Al-Ittihad, Karim Benzema wants to leave the Saudi club, a source close to the club informed AFP on Tuesday.
According to the source, the 36-year-old former Real Madrid striker spoke with the club and its Argentine coach Marcelo Gallardo last Friday in a “raging” meeting.
“He doesn’t feel he is able to give his best because of the current pressure at Ittihad,” Benzema said to his coach and the club management. The source added, “Benzema asked to leave Ittihad temporarily to change the atmosphere.”
Al-Ittihad offered to loan the French striker to another Saudi Pro League team, but the player declined, according to the source.
When contacted by the AFP, Benzema’s entourage refused to comment.
The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, who was one of the most high-profile signings in the Saudi league last year and is said to be earning 100 million euros ($109 million) every season, returned to the team 17 days after the mid-season break.
As per the source, he has been practicing alone in Jeddah since he was restricted from rejoining his teammates at a training camp in Dubai for “discipline reasons”.
According to reports in England, Premier League team Chelsea is interested in signing Benzema on loan during the current transfer window.
