Karim Benzema explains why he chose Real Madrid over Manchester United transfer
manchestereveningnews.co.ukFour La Liga titles, five Champions Leagues and two Copa del Rey successes, life has been pretty kind to Karim Benzema since his 2009 switch from Lyon to Real Madrid.
Add that to Monday night's claiming of the Ballon d'Or for the 21/22 campaign, it's been a euphoric spell for one of the world's most clinical centre forwards, and Manchester United will perhaps rue their efforts to sign him 13 years ago.
Fresh off a superb season with Ligue 1 side back in 08/09, Benzema hit the net a whopping 23 times in 47 outings, as Claude Puel's side finished third in a side containing Hugo Lloris, Mariljem Pjanic and Juninho. READ MORE: Varane sends message to ex-Real Madrid teammate Benzema after Ballon d’Or win But it was United who were heavily interested in bringing the forward to the Premier League, as well as European powerhouses of the late 2000s AC Milan, with Madrid then entering the race.
Club president Florentino Perez was the biggest factor in the move, as Benzema sealed a €41 million to Spain later that year.
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