Karim Benzema rules out Lyon return | OneFootball

Karim Benzema (38) has ruled out returning to formative club Olympique Lyonnais, as a player, however, he has said that he would be open to returning in a coaching capacity once he hangs up his boots.

Benzema continues to perform in the Saudi Pro League. The Frenchman began the season with Al-Ittihad before moving to Al-Hilal. In all competitions this season, he has 24 goals in 29 games. His current contract with Al-Hilal runs until 2027.

Benzema has been linked with a return to Lyon, where he began his career. Prior to leaving to join Real Madrid back in 2009, he made 148 appearances for OL, scoring 66 goals. He will not add to those figures, however. “I can’t [return to OL],” said Benzema during a live stream interview with rapper Rohff, broadcast on Instagram. 

The former France international continued, “Why not go and work there after, but as a player, no. As a manager? I don’t know. Maybe. I would first like to manage the youth teams. I don’t like the training that they have. I would like to be close to the young players, I want to explain to them how I see football.”

Whilst Benzema continues to be linked with a return to Europe, a return to OL is now off the table.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle