Although the he only time these two players should cross paths in the next couple of years would be in the Champions League — or the World Cup — Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has thrown his hat into the Luis Suarez transfer speculation ring by stating that he’s not worried if the Uruguayan makes his way to the Spanish capital.
There has been increased speculation that the 27-year old Golden Boot winner will be making the switch to the Champions League winners following the World Cup this summer. The rumour has only been exacerbated in recent weeks by Suarez’s lawyer who said that should an offer come in from Los Blancos it would be hard for the striker to turn it down. Maybe he’s just stirring the pot and maybe he’s going on the offensive, but Benzema sounds like he’s preparing to have some more competition at the Santiago Bernabéu.
“I sleep well. Everyone can come, especially the best because we are in Madrid”, the French striker told Spanish media outlet Marca — a known mouthpiece for the club. “I work every day in order to play for Madrid.” Despite looking like the odd man out in the Champions League final, Benzema scored 17-goals and created nine others as the team in all-white finished third in La Liga. Even though that’s a pretty good return for any striker, Real boss Carlo Ancelotti is a known admirer of Suarez, and though the striker just signed a new long term contract at Liverpool in December, the Italian is keen to pair him up with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale in a deadly attacking trifecta.
Whether or not this bares any semblance of reality, Benzema isn’t about to let it bother him, instead taking a swipe at Suarez’s consistency and questioning whether he can turn in the same kind of scintillating performances next season. “I don’t have any particular pressure” he continued in an off-hand manner. Suarez is a great player and has had a good season, but in football one has to have several very good seasons.”
It’s not a good idea to poke the lion, Karim…
