In 2009, Florentino Perez returned to the presidency of Real Madrid as the only candidate in elections after years of instability on and off the field.
His first act was the club's record transfer window, spending 96 million euros on Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United, 67 million euros on Kaka from AC Milan, 35 million euros for Karim Benzema from Lyon and 30 million euros on Xabi Alonso from Liverpool.
Add in the likes of Esteban Granero, Alvaro Arbeloa, Ezequiel Garay and Raul Albiol and it was a summer of 254 million euros of spending in total.
From all of those additions, only Karim Benzema remains nine years later and he is closing in on his tenth season at the club, only behind Sergio Ramos and Marcelo for time spent at the club.
Manuel Pellegrini's squad couldn't get past the last 16 of the Champions League and failed to win LaLiga, despite earning 96 points, three less than Barcelona.
Despite continual rumours that he could depart, as have become customary, Benzema has responded on social media denying a move to Napoli or AC Milan, though he is used to the media looking for potential destinations for him.
Benzema is motivated by the chance to impress Julen Lopetegui, who is counting on the striker and even more so after Cristiano Ronaldo departed.
In his worst ever goal scoring season in 2017/18, the Frenchman was still influential in the Champions League semi-finals and final and now he's ready to bounce back to his prolific best.
pambkos
0
So that was the plan🤔😂😂 Wait for everybody to leave and then steal the show
2was2oo
Nakaimruyz
0
So that was the plan🤔😂😂 Wait for everybody to leave and then steal the show
actaios
0
Benz is a a true warrior and an expert survivor.
as_win10
2
frank_leo
3
Benzema the only survival
sajidkhan
6
BENZEMA should leave this Selfish Club. They pay No honour or tributes to their players. Come On Karim Benzema. Leave the Club.
Sameer_Wankhade
0
who will buy him ,🤣
Kusabemos
0
Benzema could earn better respect if he left now on his own accord. He may loose all his reputation if he plays as badly as last season. Of course the new coach will find it difficult to kick him out. However he may be benched when he least expects it.
Kusabemos
0
Benzema would best accept the reality on the ground. notwithstanding his odd contribution in the Champions league last term put. It is time he moved on while a few teams may express desperate interest in him. Real Madrid could make a bit of cash off him. Wake Up Benzema and do the needful R/Madrd.
Kwakuoduro
3
cr not giving benzema the chance to score, now dat he is left alone he will score more goals
faruqadamu
3
The legend the surviver 💯💯🤘🤘🤘
intelligent_rasihno
0
congrats Benzema
Niugini Barca
1
impressive
CR7ICON
1
that's to tell us that NOTHING LASTS FOREVER [Cry][Cry][Cry]!!!!!
China3290764
7
Benz will score 20+ this season.
Shina-Ayo
2
He was decisive last season when it matter most. He showed the world his worth. Even CR7 could not last as long as KB9. Hala Perez!
Fibbnoz
2
Well done to Benzema
elcano
0
Yep and above all no Zidane no Benzema😁
zidane came 3years back ..benzema has been for 9 years ..
Ibrahima7
0
10years are long enough already
Yep and above all no Zidane no Benzema😁
TwistedDestiny
0
I see you everywhere my man!
I saw u in my dream
akheebjaved
0
He will soon join AT Madrid..I came to know from His Cousin at Nantes
I see you everywhere my man!
elcano
0
I don’t think he will last long😬😁
10years are long enough already
NASIR001
2
It's not always about money, prestige and integrity matters in life of every single person. You can't always be on top of your games but with good humor, attitude and character you can receive countless favors from the top management. Benzema never compains about money, he just wants to do his part as a professional and that has been aiding his stay as a madridista. Ego, proud wouldn't take you anywhere. You might be rich, have everything you want but you can't earn that respect and honor from your colleagues and employer. #Benzemailoveurways. THE ONLY SURVIVING GALACTICO...
TwistedDestiny
3
He will soon join AT Madrid..I came to know from His Cousin at Nantes
Ibrahima7
0
I don’t think he will last long😬😁
Zambia5889372
1
Which potential and prolific player he will be this season?? I can't see any proficiency in this player anymore. Please get Grabiel Jesus from Manchester City, great potential.
Benbenito18
0
Now that Ronaldo is out,I believe Benzema will be able to shine a lot ☺️☺️
Dannydrexx
1
Real Madrid care only for success, and not legends
Citymen
1
it would be fine if he would leave the club...
damone
1
The owner would be, the only one that should not be left, is still ...
youerer
0
Cavani and Mariano
lingba
1
If a meteor fell on the ground, only cockroaches and Benzema would survive
binaries
0
Despite what many may say, benzema is an important player who provides assistance and now without cr7 he played without complexes and above all not looking at the pass for 7 to score. I think he's a potential player and we'll see another player this season. I think if the front is lethal, I would also incorporate to change the drawing and of course covering injuries and others to Mariano and Mane two bullets players with a sense of goal, speed and potential. But benzema marked differences this season, freed from the slapping of plays to which the front was subjected.
nacibill
0
What will Florentino have done when he went to Benzema's house to convince him, will there be video? because I do not understand it.
sadistic
0
They were all wearing style.
Loveneuer
0
9 years ago that photo, it is normal that only Benzema remains, since he is the youngest of all by far. Several of them like X. Alonso, Kaka or Arbeloa are even retired from football.
message
0
9 years ago already that. Normal that there are few left. We have enjoyed (and still enjoy) huge players at Real Madrid. All right, we are still competing what is important. We only need 9 this year (and courtois)
knackered
0
They spent 254 kilos 10 years ago. They threw themselves 5 without winning hardly anything. Until the tenth in 2014. And they take their hands to the head with PSG And City !!! Seeing is believing.
basalive
0
Benzema, the best of them all.
patrhave
0
Isco cream ball
Pearler
0
The day they sell and kick you out of the champions will be few laughs !!!!
opportun
0
There have been seasons in which you took off penalties and gave them to Benzema and won the latter to goals. And that without counting the faults, the thousands of passes to CR, etc ... I do not know why you complain so much.
MacBook
0
I still think that Karim knows some secret of Florentino but it is not understood that he is going to do his tenth season here...
ladiadewumi
1
Benzema is a great team player. He just needs to improve his goal scoring abilities.
jackknife
3
benzene cares about Ronaldo what a true friend he will miss him [Cry][Cry][Cry]
SergioGody
2
Benze stay strong
RohanMinj
2
benzema has connections