Karim Benzema: 'I never wanted to leave Real Madrid'

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has insisted that he had no intention of leaving the Spanish giants despite rumours linking him with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu over the summer.

The 27-year-old was repeatedly linked with a switch to the Premier League, with Arsenal widely speculated to be his most likely destination.

"There was nothing in the talk of a transfer away from Madrid. I'm happy at my current club, it's the best in the world. I'll continue to work here and be happy where I am," Benzema told Telefoot.

Benzema, who has 25 goals in 77 appearances for France, joined Los Blancos from Lyon in 2009. As a Real Madrid player, he was won the Champions League and the La Liga title.