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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.

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Written by
Ben Sully

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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Atletico MadridAtletico18125133122141
2Real Madrid18124241182340
3Barcelona19122551222938
4Athletic Bilbao19106329171236
5Villarreal188643430430
6Mallorca199371921-230
7Real Sociedad187471613325
8GironaGirona187472625125
9Real BetisBetis186752122-125
10Osasuna186752327-425
11Celta Vigo187382728-124
12Rayo Vallecano185762021-122
13Las PalmasLas Palmas186482327-422
14Sevilla186482027-722
15Leganes184681728-1118
16AlavesAlaves184592130-917
17Getafe183781115-416
18Espanyol1843111630-1415
19Valencia172691626-1012
20Real ValladolidValladolid1833121237-2512


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