Karim Benzema of Al-Hilal, now 38, came close to rejoining Olympique Lyonnais during the summer transfer window, according to a report in L'Equipe.
The Rhône club's hierarchy approached the former academy product, and the Ballon d'Or winner was said to be enthusiastic about the possibility of wearing Lyon's red and blue colours once again. His desire to return was such that he was ready to play for the club without taking any salary.
Even so, although there was interest on all sides, the transfer could not be completed because Benzema had not yet been released from his contract with Al-Hilal at that stage, a situation that has since changed. Another complication was his role as an ambassador for the Saudi league, an arrangement that runs until 2030 and one the striker was keen to respect, which also stood in the way of a move abroad.
As a result, despite still being deeply attached to OL, the club of his life, Benzema is now unlikely to finish his career there. Before leaving for Real Madrid in 2009, he had helped the Rhône-based side win four league titles.
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