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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<ul><li>Striker allegedly wanted Al-Ittihad exit</li><li>Benzema cleared the air</li><li>Blamed French media for misinformation</li></ul><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

'The bigger the better' - Karim Benzema breaks silence on Al-Ittihad transfer request claim amid Man Utd links

AFP reported that the 36-year-old striker had <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/karim-benzema-lawyer-explains-absence-saudi-pro-league-al-ittihad-hint-return-former-club/blt3c862116293d86f6" target="_blank">expressed his desire to leave Al-Ittihad</a> after being frozen out by manager Marcelo Gallardo. The tactician decided to exclude Benzema after he turned up <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/man-utd-linked-karim-benzema-asks-to-leave-al-ittihad-due-to-pressure-frozen-out-marcelo-gallardo-squad/bltbf815cbe717319eb#cs7a45e4d08644d3e7" target="_blank">17 days late to training</a> but the former Real Madrid frontman blamed Mauritius' stormy weather for his late arrival. The striker has now poured cold water on all speculation over his future, suggesting he has no desire to leave Saudi Arabia despite going through a troubled time in his new surroundings.

WHAT HAPPENED?

As per <a href="https://twitter.com/lequipedusoir/status/1749564113410535848" target="_blank">L'Equipe</a>, Benzema said: "It's completely false! The French media don't know what to invent any more. The bigger the better."

WHAT BENZEMA SAID

Benzema would have no dearth of suitors if he were to leave Al-Ittihad as a host of top European clubs are already lining up to get his services. United are said to be interested in a loan deal for the Ballon d'Or winner, while Chelsea and Arsenal are also reportedly monitoring his situation. A potential return to Lyon has also been mooted, but Real Madrid have distanced themselves from their former frontman.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

It has been reported that Benzema is following a tailor-made individual training schedule in Riyadh to get back to match fitness after a lengthy winter break. The rest of his team-mates have flown to Dubai to train under Gallardo before returning to competitive action against Al-Faisaly in the quarterfinals of the King Cup of Champions.

WHAT NEXT?

'The bigger the better' - Karim Benzema breaks silence on Al-Ittihad transfer request claim amid Man Utd links | Goal.com English Kuwait

Manchester United-linked striker Karim Benzema has spoken out on claims he has handed in a transfer request at Al-Ittihad.

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