Heysummer 2014, Louis Suarezwho will be in Barcelona approached him weeks later RealMadrid.
The idea excited Carlo Anchelottiwho saw in the Uruguayan an extraordinary reinforcement for a team that had just become European champions.
It was before Jose Angel Sanchez told him that in order to cope with such an operation, Karim Benzema would have to sell. CarlettoThe answer was a resounding “no”, with no room for debate.
His #9 was untouchable, and there was no better ally for him. Cristiano Ronaldo. On this interest in Luis Suarez ended.
Eight years have passed since then. Today Benzema, as then, is the champion of Europe. And the best player in the world. New RealMadrid The captain is approaching what will be his 14th season at the club.
In each of these campaigns, he was the untouchable striker for all the coaches who came through Madrid.
During these 14 years at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium Benzema You have seen how the position of the centre-forward has changed among the great players in Europe.
Waiting for the future Robert Lewandowskiwho has made it clear that he wants to leave Bavariathey have had the most stability as a centre-forward since Benzema arrived in Madrid.
On the other hand there is Atletico Madrid. Bye Benzema built his history with white, there were many forwards on the other side of the capital.
when RealMadrid introduced Benzema, Sportsnumber 9 was Diego Forlanhero of that season with two goals against Fulham in the Europa League final.
then came falcao, Diego Costa With David Villa by his side Mario Mandzukic, Fernando Torres returned, Kevin Gameiro, angel leash played as a striker Alvaro Morata, Suarez, Matheus Cunha…
Paris Saint Germainin particular, invested in center forwards without making the move they were hoping for, leading Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Edinson Cavani as well as Mauro Icardi.