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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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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona12110140112933
2Real Madrid1173121111024
3Atletico MadridAtletico126511871123
4Villarreal116322019121
5Osasuna126331716121
6Athletic Bilbao125431812619
7Real BetisBetis125431210219
8Mallorca12534109118
9Rayo Vallecano114431210216
10Celta Vigo125161820-216
11Real Sociedad124351010015
12GironaGirona124351517-215
13Sevilla124351217-515
14AlavesAlaves124171419-513
15Leganes122551216-411
16Getafe12174810-210
17Espanyol123181122-1110
18Las PalmasLas Palmas122371321-89
19Real ValladolidValladolid12228924-158
20Valencia11146817-97


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