The prolific forward grew through the ranks of Olympique Lyonnais in his first stint from 2004 to 2009.
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Olympique Lyonnais chairman Jean-Michel Aulas has asserted that the club is always open to a comeback from French star Karim Benzema in any capacity. Benzema grew through the ranks of the club from a young striker to being called up for the first-team under manager Paul Le Guen. The Frenchman was not hailed as much during his formative years as the likes of Michael Essien, Sylvain Wiltord, Florent Malouda and Eric Abidal ruled the roost for the club. However, Benzema believed in his abilities and often said that he would take their place in the future for the Ligue 1 club.
The prolific striker went on to become the talisman for the club between 2004 to 2009. He also won four Ligue 1 titles during this phase besides one Coupe de France and Trophée des Champions.
The club chairman believes that it will be a dream to bring back their legend.
“Of course, as soon as we have the opportunity to bring him back, we will,” he told French broadcaster Europe 1. “I don’t know how exactly – whether as a player or as a coach – but in any case it’s true that it’s a dream I have.”
“We would have liked another opponent,” he told France football. “But if you want to go all the way, you have to beat everyone.”
Benzema scored 66 goals in 149 games in all competitions for Lyon before leaving for Real Madrid as a 21-year-old in 2009.
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The OL youth academy graduate has since gone on to become one of the best strikers in world football, winning 18 major honours in the Spanish capital and racking up 94 caps with France, and Aulas would love to see Benzema, now 34, return.
Benzema for his part is midway through a 23-goal season for Real Madrid. He remains focused on challenging for a fifth UEFA Champions League title, but thinks Paris Saint-Germain will pose a serious test when the sides meet in the last 16. The Spanish side, however, remain the favourites to win the league title in the 2021-2022 season.
The 34-year-old has already won three La Liga titles as well as many Super Cup, four Champions League titles, two Copa del Rey, three Supercopa de España and four FIFA Club World Cup. He has made over 400 appearances for Real Madrid and remains one of the central features for the club alongside Vinicius Junior.
