Benzema has gotten lost in a fake competition and regrets it

In the detailed interview with Jérôme Rothen, Jean-Michel Larqué expanded on his views regarding Karim Benzema's recent career moves. 

Larqué, deeply entrenched in the world of football, expressed his disappointment over Benzema's decision to join Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, a move he considers a significant misstep for the celebrated striker.

Larqué's critique is rooted in his perception of Benzema's potential and his illustrious past achievements. As a player who had reached the pinnacle of European football with Real Madrid, winning numerous titles and the prestigious Ballon d'Or, Benzema's choice to move to a league that is not as highly regarded in footballing terms struck Larqué as a downgrade. He sees it as a deviation from the trajectory of a player of Benzema's caliber, implying that the French striker had the opportunity to end his career on a high note at one of the world's top clubs.

The comment, 'Benzema regrets it. He could have stopped at Real Madrid and left football through the front door, after winning various prizes, including the Ballon d'Or. But he got lost in a fake competition,' encapsulates Larqué's view that Benzema's move was a step away from the elite level of football to which he had belonged.

Moreover, Larqué's remarks about the quality of football in Saudi Arabia, 'Sometimes I watch the matches in Saudi Arabia, and it seems like they have no legs,' suggest a belief that the level of competition and skill in the Saudi league is not on par with the top European leagues. He sees this as a contributing factor to what he perceives as the 'decline of a career' for Benzema, implying that playing in a less competitive environment is not befitting a player of his stature.

Larqué's final comment on Benzema's situation, 'He should have finished with a bang. He hasn't done that now, which is a shame,' reflects a sense of lost opportunity. He envisions a scenario where Benzema could have remained at Real Madrid, potentially ending his career there with further accolades and then retiring at the peak of his fame. This, according to Larqué, would have been a more fitting conclusion for a player who had consistently performed at the highest level of the sport.

These insights offer a perspective on the complexities and personal decisions that high-profile athletes face in their careers. While Larqué's opinions are subjective, they highlight the different expectations and narratives that surround the careers of celebrated sports figures like Benzema.