Karim Benzema has responded to reports spreading like wildfire of a done deal with Saudi Arabian giants Al Ittihad.
The Frenchman has told Marca that he is staying at Real Madrid for one additional season.
It appeared Los Blancos were about to head into a frantic mood after reports emerged of a staggering deal from Saudi Arabia for Karim Benzema.
Speculations in recent months had indicated that the 35-year-old was set to pen a one-year extension on his deal estimated to be £20.6 million per season.
However, the man who is closing in on 650 appearances and has scored 353 goals for Real Madrid reportedly received a lucrative offer from the middle east.
Even at age 35, Karim Benzema still continues to deliver wonderful performances.
The Frenchman, despite a season where he battled through injuries, has scored 30 goals and provided 6 assists in 42 appearances for Los Merengues.
He is also the second top scorer in the Spanish La Liga, 5 goals behind Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski.
The former Olympique lyonnais forward has featured in 23 games this season, 10 games less than Blaugrana attacker Lewandowski.
Spanish media outlet AS earlier reported that Karim Benzema was offered a staggering £345 million to join an unnamed Saudi club believed to be Al Ittihad and that offer might be too juicy an offer for him to reject.
It appears Saudi Arabia is trying to continue building the image, visibility and competitiveness of the Pro league with reports also linking Lionel Messi to the gulf country.
The seeming experiment of Portuguese superstar and football great Cristiano Ronaldo has yielded positive results.
Anyway, reacting to the speculations, Karim Benzema was somehow defensive with his response.
He said: “Speak about what? Why speak of the future if I’m in Madrid? Those speaking are on the internet, and reality is not the internet.
“At the moment, I’m here. We have a game on Sunday against Athletic Club. I know how much Real Madrid fans love me.
“I feel that when I’m on the pitch.”
Karim Benzema added: “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.”
The 35-year-old also spoke about how he is proud of the career he has had, Benzema said: “I am very proud of my career. I remember when I signed here at Real… I was a kid, not as much as them, but I was 21, I just wanted to enjoy myself and look at everything I’ve won.”
He added: “There is no other club like Real Madrid, playing at the Santiago Bernabeu, the place where the greatest players in the sport have played. It’s always been my dream because it’s the best club in history.”
Meanwhile, one can only imagine the kind of swashbuckling projects Saudi Arabian clubs are trying to embark on.
The top 3 clubs in Saudi Arabia namely; Al Nassr, Al Ittihad and Al Hilal might have legendary players representing them next season.
Al Nassr already have Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Ittihad are reportedly eyeing Karim Benzema and Al Hilal are admiring the prospect of having Lionel Messi in their fold next season.
Additionally, Benzema received the Marca Leyenda (legend) award in recognition of the stellar career he has had.
He received the award at a ceremony that was held at the Real Casino de Madrid, which is situated in the capital of Spain.
The Frenchman has won 25 trophies in the colors of Real Madrid and he has had a massive impact in the club’s dominance on the continental level.
The current holder of the Ballon d’Or has won 5 UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid alongside 5 Club World Cups, 4 European Super Cups, 4 La Liga titles, 3 Copa Del Rey and 4 Spanish Super Cups.
