Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema refused to be drawn on his future, telling reporters "reality is not the internet" in response to rumours of a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia.
Benzema, 35, has enjoyed 14 trophy laden years in Spain but reports this week suggest he will follow former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo to the kingdom next season. "Why am I going to talk about the future if I am in Madrid?" asked the Frenchman during an awards ceremony held by Marca. "The thing that is talking is the internet and reality is not the internet." The former Lyon striker have been linked with a move to recently anointed Saudi Pro League champions Al Ittihad, who secured the title ahead of Ronaldo's Al Nassr with a match to spare.
Saudi football is set for a major summer, with a number of prominent stars anticipated to land in the Pro League. There is growing confidence Lionel Messi, Argentina’s World Cup-winning captain, will make the move to record 18-time champions Hilal once his contract expires at Paris Saint-Germain.
Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Angel Di Maria, N’Golo Kante and Sadio Mane are among other names linked with Saudi. Benzema, the reigning Ballon d'Or and one of Real Madrid's most decorated players having won five Champions Leagues and four La Liga titles.