At the start of the season, the Frenchman followed the footsteps of other top football stars by pursuing a lucrative deal in the Middle East, departing from Real Madrid in a big-money transfer.
In the January transfer window, numerous reports circulated suggesting that the French forward was dissatisfied with his time in the Saudi Pro League, just six months following his transfer to Al Ittihad, and was seeking a return to Europe.
Benzema was rumoured to be in talks with Manchester United and linked with a return to Los Blancos, but ultimately, no transfer materialised.
Several reports suggested that Benzema was excluded from first-team training after returning from his holiday 17 days late last month.
Following this incident, Benzema did not join his teammates on their mid-season training camp in Dubai.
As a result, he was left out of the squad for their Saudi Pro League match against Al-Tai and was also excluded from the squad for their AFC Champions League trip to Navbahor Namangan in Uzbekistan.
However, after resuming duty for The People's Club in a 2-0 win over Al-Riyadh last week, the former Ballon d'Or winner clarified that he never actually had any intention to leave the Saudi Pro League and dismissed the speculation regarding his desire to return to Europe as false.
In an interview following the victory, Benzema said: «I am back and now I am better. The story of my departure is not true and I am happy in Saudi Arabia. I have no problems with Gallardo, all those who say I want to return
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