Transfer Centre

Karim Benzema breaks silence on Real Madrid exit rumours

By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter | 01 June 2023

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema plays down rumours claiming that he is on the verge of agreeing a big-money move to Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ittihad.

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has played down rumours claiming that he is on the verge of agreeing a big-money move to Saudi Arabia.

The 35-year-old's long-term future at the Santiago Bernabeu has been called into question as his contract is due to expire at the end of this month.

Multiple reports have stated that Benzema is set to end his trophy-laden 14-year career with Los Blancos and sign a lucrative contract with Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ittihad.

The 2022 Ballon d'Or winner is said to have received a jaw-dropping offer worth €400m (£346m) over a two-year deal, and the Frenchman could confirm his departure at some stage this weekend.

However, Benzema has since responded to the speculation about his future, stating that "the internet is not reality".

Real Madrid's Karim Benzema celebrates scoring against Chelsea on April 12, 2023 © Reuters

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Benzema said: "Speak about what? Why do I have to talk about the future? I'm at Real Madrid. What is said comes from the internet, and the internet is not reality."

Benzema added: "At the moment, I'm here... we have a game on Sunday. I know how much Real Madrid fans love me. I feel that when I'm on the pitch.

"I give my best for them, always. I always say that we play with 11 on the pitch but also with crucial factor, Real Madrid fans.

"I am very proud of my work, I enjoy every moment in Madrid. Going to Valdebebas to train is not a job. In my head I enjoy Madrid. Yesterday, today and tomorrow in training."

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti revealed last month that the La Liga giants have no immediate plans to recruit a new centre-forward amid uncertainty over Benzema's future, but acknowledged that the Frenchman is entering the final stages of his career.

Karim Benzema celebrates scoring for Real Madrid on August 28, 2022 © Reuters

"Signing a No.9 is in the club's future plans because Karim's age is what it is," the Italian told reporters as quoted by The Mail.

"While Karim is in this condition we don't think about it, also because the front line is working very well, it worked well last year and it's working well this year.

"Karim has had some ups and downs, Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior have developed, [Marco] Asensio is doing well. The problem over these two years hasn't been the frontline."

Benzema has suffered with injuries throughout the 2022-23 campaign but he has still enjoyed a respectable season in front of goal, netting 30 times and providing six assists in 42 games across all tournaments.

The veteran striker has scored 353 goals in total across 647 appearances for Los Blancos and has won 24 trophies, including four La Liga titles and five Champions Leagues.