Ligue 1 club president ‘dreams’ of re-signing Real Madrid superstar: “He’s a symbol”

Speaking to RMC Sport, Olympique Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has admitted that he dreams of re-signing Real Madrid captain Karim Benzema and would be prepared to take any risks needed to make it happen if there is even a slim possibility.

Benzema came through the youth ranks at Lyon where he attained stardom at a very young age. And in 2009, Real Madrid came calling for the French striker, who has just gone from strength to strength ever since.

Already a legend at the Santiago Bernabeu, Benzema enjoyed a sensational campaign in 2021/22, which ended with him winning the coveted Ballon d’Or award last year.

However, the 35-year-old has been plagued by injury and fitness issues this season, which has hampered Real Madrid on the pitch.

The Los Blancos captain is in the final few months of his contract at the club and even though reports suggest that he has agreed a one-year extension, there has been no official word as of yet and the possibility of him leaving, even if very remote, still exists.

And, if there is such a chance, Aulas claimed that he would love to take Benzema back to Lyon.

"I dream about it every day, but it’s complicated. We’ll try. The more he succeeds at Real Madrid… I was watching the game against Barça yesterday, losing 2-1. Some people didn’t think he was at his best, but I thought he was very good," said Aulas.

"If we had the possibility and a small chance to bring him back, we would do it by taking all the risks. He’s a symbol."

Prior to his move to Real Madrid, Benzema played 148 matches for Lyon, scoring 66 goals in the process. The striker returned to his hometown club last year after winning the Ballon d’Or and was given a rapturous ovation from the fans at the Groupama Stadium.

However, a possibility of a return in a playing capacity looks unlikely as Benzema has previously stated that he intends to retire at Real Madrid.