Al-Ittihad manager Nuno Espiritio Santo told the board of the club that former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema does not fit into his plans this season.
It was reported that there is tension between the French striker and the Portuguese manager. Espiritio Santo told the board he didn’t request the transfer of Benzema.
Benzema, on the other hand, asked for the captaincy of the club, which was totally ignored by Espiritio Santos. The former Tottenham manager gave the captain’s band to Al-Ittihad legend Romarinho.
The French star is said not to be comfortable in the current working environment of Al-Ittihad, which could make him leave the club after joining just two months ago.
The friction between the manager and Karim Benzema had made the French striker not to turn up for training frequently.
The fans are stunned by the ongoing situation between the two most influential people at Al-Ittihad currently.
A social media user said, “If a five-time Champions League winner does not fit into his style, then maybe Nuno has no style.”
Another user said “Karim Benzema can win any team a trophy; they are missing out”. Thirdly, another user said “If Karim Benzema does not fit in your tactical style, you have no tactics”.
The Ballon d’Or winner joined the Champions of the Saudi Arabia Pro League in June 2023, signing a three-year contract that closed the curtain on his 14-year career at Real Madrid.
The striker started his career at Al-Ittihad, scoring three goals in four matches in the Arab Club Champions Cup.
Al-Ittihad have started well this season with back-to back wins over Al-Raed and Al-Ta’ee. The club currently sits at the top of the table with six points.
Karim Benzema did not find the net in the last two previous matches, but he was able to create an assist.
Espiritio Santos side will play against Al-Riyadh on August 24, 2023, and subsequently face Al-Wehda on August 28, 2023.
Karim Benzema Al-Ittihad Salary
Benzema receives £100 million per season, including a bonus of £20 million to work as an ambassador for the 2030 World Cup if the bid is successful. His total salary for the year will be around £172 million.
Karim Benzema stats
The French striker made 798 appearances, scoring 420 goals and creating 193 assists in all club competitions.
Karim Benzema had received 17 yellow cards and zero red cards. Out of the 420 goals scored, 354 were for Real Madrid and 66 for Olympique Lyon.
He made 97 appearances, scoring 37 goals in all competitions for the France senior national team. He is one of the greatest strikers in the history of French football.
