A rumor recently ignited the transfer market: Karim Benzema would be in the viewfinder of Benfica. The alleged interest of the Lisbon club for the French striker of Al-Ittihad fueled the discussions. But José Mourinho, the Portuguese coach, quickly calmed the spirits.
Asked at a press conference on this speculation, the Special One has swept the idea: “It was the first time that I heard his name and this hypothetical possibility. We (when he was still in Fenerbahçe) played a friendly match against his team, we discussed a little. »» According to him, the French striker has no project to return to Europe at this stage of his career.
Mourinho then detailed the reasons why a transfer seems improbable. “His latest goal is a return to European football, and in this case, in a team like ours. He will stay there; He is happy, he has won titles, and he is in an enviable financial situation. When you leave high -level European football at this age, for Saudi Arabia, I don't think the goal is to come back ”he specifies.
“It's impossible”
The Portuguese technician stressed that the return to Europe rather concerns younger players. “If you tell me about younger players who leave and who, after two or three years, are old enough to return to Europe, yes. But players like Karim, no “he adds, closing the door to all speculation.
Finally, Mourinho admits his misunderstanding in the face of rumors: “This story, even if I did not ask the question to anyone internally … I would almost go so far as to say that it is impossible, I don't even understand how the name Karim got there. »» Benzema therefore remains focused on his Saudi adventure, far from European fantasies.
