Lunar words. And clearly above ground. If the choice of Karim Benzema to sign in Saudi Arabia, after 14 years in the colors of Real Madrid, belongs to him, the argument chosen by Habib Beye is confusing. The coach of Red Star, football consultant on Canal +, has delivered his opinion on the decision of the Ballon d'Or 2022 who should sign a two-year contract of € 200M net. This made people react, even annoyed.
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When you have won 40 and you can win 200, it's not the same thing, argues the former OM defender. At 35, you must also think about the fact that for a footballer reconversion is difficult, like after football. You have to realize that you have a family and when you have that cheque, it is difficult, even if you are at the highest level, to refuse. Today, I am not Karim Benzema, hats off to having made this career, and to go on a challenge with conditions impossible to refuse. »
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Habib Beye, 45, evokes "the difficult conversion" and the fact for Benzema to protect his family, which is necessarily irrelevant as the Real Madrid striker for 14 years already has enough to support dozens of generations. Was he talking about his personal case or that of a footballer with a more discreet career? Because it is true that small professionals have a much less radiant post-career than the stars of this sport. Still, its wording highlights an above-ground speech, which has been the target of criticism on social networks. That Karim Benzema decides to leave Madrid to sign the contract of his life at 35, in a golden early retirement in Saudi Arabia, is one thing, but to say that he accepts in anticipation of a "difficult post-football" is very far from the truth. For in the end, a real clumsiness on the part of the star consultant of Canal +.