The temptation to believe that Karim Benzema will leave Real Madrid is at an all time high. As the team continues its preseason exhibition tour in China, the French international has posted a photo to Instagram of himself in a plane separate from the rest of the team, with the caption “let’s leave the past in the past.”
The hashtag #directionturfu, specifically turfu, is thought to be a form of french slang called “verlan”, where the beginning and the end of a word are switched, much like Pig Latin in English. Unlike Pig Latin, verlan is actively spoke by many French speaking people. In this way #directionturfu, is thought to mean “direction future” or “future direction.”
#rip is thought to be the standard acronym of R.I.P. typically used to wish a dead person “rest in peace.”
Benzema is annually the subject of transfer rumors, but they have never reached such a level as they have reached this summer.
The appointment of new coach Rafa Benitez has fueled much of the speculation, as he is thought to want to play Cristiano Ronaldo in a lone striker’s role, as opposed to his traditional place on the left wing, in order to preserve the legs of the 30 year-old superstar. The move would also allow Gareth Bale to move to the left, the position in which he initially broke out at Tottenham.
Arsenal and Manchester United have been the heaviest linked to Benzema. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has long been a fan of the striker, and Manchester United are at a shortage of established strikers themselves after Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao left the club.
All things being equal, there has been no official word from any club about anything regarding Karim Benzema. As fans become rapid for transfer news, it is easy to forget that at the end of the day, Benzema’s post has only fueled speculation.
Sky Sports’ Bryan Swanson has tweeted out a clarification of the situation, saying that Benzema’s Instagram post is a false alarm.
Real Madrid say Karim Benzema still with squad in Shanghai before next game against AC Milan. Private jet pic? Believed to be from holiday.
— Bryan Swanson (@skysports_bryan) July 28, 2015And now we must weigh the opinions of one reporter against the hints of a player and the wishes of multiple fan bases.
The transfer window at it’s finest, ladies and gentlemen.
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PS: As an Arsenal fan, I really, really want all this to not be a false alarm.
