French star Karim Benzema, a player for the Saudi club Al-Ittihad, revealed his stance on returning to his former club Real Madrid, and also discussed various issues related to the Royal Club.

In an extended interview, Benzema said: "Real Madrid will always be my team. I still watch their matches whenever I can. It is the best club in the world. It always has been and always will be. It is a team with great potential, and I believe it can achieve more than it is currently showing."

Regarding Real Madrid's situation under Alonso's leadership: "I love this Real Madrid. A lot is said now, but it has always been like this. Drawing or losing a match is considered a crisis. They go from being the best team in the world to questioning the coach or a certain player... This is normal because it is the best club in the world. But I love this team."

He continued about Real Madrid without Kroos, Modrić, Casemiro, Ramos, Benzema... "Football now is different, something else, it shouldn't be compared. The current Real Madrid may have more qualities, but it lacks a leader player, although modern football sometimes doesn't require a leader. The players are young, many of them are leaders in their national teams, they have the Champions League... They need to find what a leader brings."

And he added: "It's true that Florentino Pérez doesn't play or participate or anything like that, but he is the leader. He does an amazing job, bringing in players you wouldn't expect to come. What he does with the team and the club... he is the best."

He explained: "Can you imagine going back to Real Madrid or Perez calling you? What would be the purpose of the call? (laughs). He is someone I can't say no to. Florentino is a special person."

He concluded: "Returning to Madrid? If Florentino is still there, it might happen, it might happen. I talk to him, and it could happen. I am a Madridista. I feel it deep inside. Madrid is still my city; I feel like a Madridista and from Madrid. Let's see what happens. If he is..."