Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti dismisses Karim Benzema exit talk

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.

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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.

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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.