Benatia hints at Bayern exit

Bayern Munich central defender Mehdi Benatia has claimed that he will leave Bayern for Real Madrid or Juventus, if he didn’t get more game time at the Allianz Arena.

After his €28 million move to the German champions from Roma, Benatia made just 24 appearances last season for Bayern Munich in all competitions.

As a result, Benatia is ready to leave Bayern for a club that would offer him regular first-team football, after stating that the central defender wants to play at least 35 games in the upcoming season.

Real Madrid are looking for a centre-back should Sergio Ramos leave the club, and they might be interested in Benatia after the 28-year-old stated that it would be a dream come true to play in a club like Real Madrid or Juventus.

“The interest of Real Madrid and Juventus would flatter any player because they are two great clubs,” Benatia told Tuttosport. “Therefore, it cannot but make you happy.”

“But I’m already at a great club, to whom I’m bound by contract for another four years. My goal is to win the Champions League but my main objective is to play 35-40 games next season.”

“If I should realise that I’m not going to be able to do that, then I will start to look around. In football, as you know, anything can happen.”

Inter Milan have also been interested in the central defender, after Nerazzurri legend Javier Zanetti branded Benatia a champion.

“We speak of a great champion, a great champion, but you have to speak cautiously as negotiations are complicated,” he said. “If Benatia comes we are all happy.”