MX23RW : Friday, January 17 15:07:35| >> :60:213:213:

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti dismisses Karim Benzema exit talk

Carlo Ancelotti dismisses Karim Benzema exit talk
© Reuters
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti plays down speculation that Karim Benzema will move to Saudi Arabia this summer.

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has dismissed speculation that Karim Benzema could leave the club this summer.

Benzema is out of contract at the end of June, and there has been speculation that he could move to Saudi Arabia this summer.

There was a belief that Benzema had already decided to make the switch after receiving a lucrative offer from Al Ittihad.

However, Benzema poured cold water on those rumours in a press conference on Thursday, stating that the "internet was not reality".

A recent report claimed that the striker has turned down the opportunity to move to the Saudi Pro League, in favour of signing a one-year extension with Real Madrid.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti looks dejected on April 8, 2023© Reuters

Speaking ahead of the final matchday of the La Liga season, Ancelotti has also insisted that Benzema will remain at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"Benzema is ready to play tomorrow," Ancelotti told reporters. "He's recovered nicely and he has a year left on his contract, so we have no doubts here."

The Italian went on to add: "The internet is not reality. I agree with Benzema. The club's legends should finish their careers at Real Madrid. This is what the fans and the club want. The club, the fans and I think so."

Real Madrid are yet to confirm Benzema's extension, but the new deal is expected to be announced in the near future.

Real Madrid's Karim Benzema celebrates scoring their fourth goal to complete his hat-trick on April 5, 2023© Reuters

The experienced forward, who has spent 14 years with Real Madrid, has racked up 353 goals in 647 competitive appearances for the club.

Benzema has won 24 major honours during his time with the Spanish giants, including five Champions League trophies and four league titles.

While the 35-year-old is expected to remain with Los Blancos, the club have confirmed that Marco Asensio, Eden Hazard and Mariano Diaz will leave at the end of June.

Real Madrid, who occupy second place, will end their 2022-23 campaign with a home match against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.

ID:515505:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4292:
Written by
Ben Sully

Click here for more stories about Carlo Ancelotti

Click here for more stories about Real Madrid

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Real Madrid's Eden Hazard pictured on July 23, 2022
Read Next:
Eden Hazard to leave Real Madrid at end of June
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Atletico MadridAtletico19135134122244
2Real Madrid19134243192443
3Barcelona19122551222938
4Athletic Bilbao19106329171236
5Villarreal198653431330
6Mallorca199371921-230
7Real Sociedad198471713428
8GironaGirona198472725228
9Rayo Vallecano196762222025
10Real BetisBetis196762123-225
11Osasuna196762328-525
12Celta Vigo197392830-224
13Sevilla196582128-723
14Las PalmasLas Palmas196492429-522
15Getafe194781316-319
16Leganes194781829-1119
17AlavesAlaves1945102131-1017
18Espanyol1944111731-1416
19Real ValladolidValladolid1943121337-2415
20Valencia1927101829-1113


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!