sport news Karim Benzema DENIES report he was set to announce his Real Madrid departure trends now
Karim Benzema has broken his silence on speculation tipping him to leave Real Madrid and move to Saudi Arabia in a £345million deal by denying a report claiming he would announce his departure at a press conference today.
Multiple publications have claimed the striker has decided to leave the Bernabeu after a glittering 14-year spell and head for an eye-watering payday in the Middle East, and one outlet went as far as saying he would confirm his exit imminently.
However, when asked to discuss the rumours, veteran Benzema fired back and insisted that, at least for 'the moment', he remains on the books at Madrid.
'Speak about what? Why speaking of the future if I'm in Madrid... Who's speaking is internet, and reality is not internet,' he said.
He then 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.
Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has denied a report he was set to announce his departure
Asked to address the links to Saudi Arabia, the frontman insisted 'reality is not the internet'
Benzema could still join former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League, however
'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.'
Regardless of whether he does decide to leave, Benzema will be immortalised as one of Madrid's greatest players of all time after scoring 353 goals in 647 appearances. He has also won countless trophies, including a record five Champions Leagues.
Earlier this week, reports said a package worth almost £350m across two years was tabled by an unnamed club. ESPN then identified the club he was expected to join as Al Ittihad, although it is not currently known whether he will indeed quit.
Benzema may even have played his final game for the club after signing off for the
