Sir Alex was pulled away from Benzema in tunnel as he was desperate to sign him

talksport.com, 6 June 2023, 18:54

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has revealed just how desperate Sir Alex Ferguson was to sign Karim Benzema.

After 14 stellar years at Real Madrid, Benzema has embarked on a new challenge in Saudi Arabia with champions Al Ittihad.

He leaves the Santiago Bernabeu with 354 goals to his name in 648 competitive appearances across all competitions.

Such a tally makes him the second highest scorer in Real Madrid's history behind Cristiano Ronaldo, which more than cements his status as a legend.

Benzema caught the eye of the European giants during his spell at Lyon before he sealed his switch in 2009.

During his penultimate season at the club, they came up against Manchester United in the Champions League last-16.

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The striker scored in the first leg at the Stade de Gerland, so much so that the then United boss Ferguson wanted to bring him to Old Trafford.

Former defender Ferdinand, who played in the match, told BT Sport: "The first time I played against him, Sir Alex Ferguson wanted to sign him.

"He was speaking to him in the tunnel after the game and Lyon officials had to pull him away. His movement that day was brilliant."

These advances proved fruitless as Benzema chose to join the LaLiga giants in the summer of 2009.

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It would prove to be hugely beneficial decision in his career as he won five Champions League and four La Liga titles.

He was also the recipient of the 2022 Ballon d'Or award that firmly established him as one of the true greats in world football.

Benzema now follows former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo to Saudi Arabia.

Read full version: https://talksport.com/football/1447421/sir-alex-ferguson-karim-benzema-man-utd/

Al Ittihad
Alex Ferguson
Benzema
Casemiro
Champions League
Cristiano Ronaldo
Goals
Kane
Kari
Karim Benzema
Lyon
LYON B
Madrid
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Manchester United
Real Madrid
Rio Ferdinand
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Santiago
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Tottenham

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