Arsenal on alert after Karim Benzema says he is 'fed up' at Real Madrid

Benzema keeps getting substituted by Rafa Benitez - and he's not happy about it

James Orr
Monday 05 October 2015 14:46 BST
Comments
Karim Benzema (right) is substituted by Rafa Benitez
Karim Benzema (right) is substituted by Rafa Benitez

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Arsenal have been put on red alert after long-term target Karim Benzema expressed his disappointment after being continually substituted at Real Madrid this season, saying that he is "fed up" with his situation.

The French striker has been taken off in five out of his six La Liga starts by coach Rafa Benitez this term, the most recent occasion being the 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid on Sunday, a game in which he opened the scoring.

"Substitutions are what the coach decides, I'm just there to help my team-mates," Benzema told AS.

"It's true I'm fed up of being taken off. I'm calm and will continue to work so I'm not always substituted. He took me off to get a result, for defensive reasons.

"It's true that the electronic board always shows the No.9. Ask Benitez why that is."

The Gunners were linked a move for Benzema all summer, but their efforts proved unsuccessful as ultimately the 27-year-old stayed on at Real.

Wenger criticises media

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in