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Craig HillFrance star Karim Benzema extends Lyon stay
March 14th 2008 03:15
Karim Benzema
Lyon striker Karim Benzema has rejected the overtures of some of Europe's top clubs by signing a new contract at the French club until 2013 plus an option for a further one-year extension.
The 20 year-old France striker is one of the hottest prospects in Europe and has been linked with Manchester United amid speculation that he could be joining the English Premier League champions.
Instead, he has chosen to heed the advice of leading football figures such as former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier and remain at the club he joined as an eight year old. As a product of the club's youth academy, Benzema is capable of playing on both wings or as a target man, the latter being his deadliest position - 24 goals in 37 games in the 2006-07 season is a testament to that.
Karim Benzema said: "In my head it was clear that I wanted to continue my progression here and not exile myself in Spain, England or Italy.
'I'm happy in Lyon, I was born here, I live here, I want to continue learning at Olympique Lyonnais.
'Everyone has faith in me, my team-mates are behind me. I really want to win lots of titles, starting with a cup-league double this season and I'd love to one day win the Champions League with Lyon. There's still so much to do.''
'I'm happy in Lyon, I was born here, I live here, I want to continue learning at Olympique Lyonnais.
'Everyone has faith in me, my team-mates are behind me. I really want to win lots of titles, starting with a cup-league double this season and I'd love to one day win the Champions League with Lyon. There's still so much to do.''
If Benzema does stay at Lyon for the duration of his contract, he will still be 25-26 and yet to approach his peak as a footballer. Should he continue to improve, he will be a frightening prospect by that time and will have all the top European clubs vying for his signature. In reality, though, he will be encouraged to change clubs and move to either the Spanish or English leagues by the time he is 23.
[Video Source: YouTube]
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