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Karim Benzema sends cryptic message over his future.
Real Madrid captain Karim Benzema has refused to speak about his future as his contract at the Bernabeu expires, with a summer move to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia likely.
Benzema is set to become a free agent at the end of the month after 14 years with Los Blancos, during which he won 24 titles, played 647 games, and scored 353 goals.
According to sources, the 35-year-old Frenchman has already told Real of his intention to quit, with Al-Ittihad expected to sign him to a lucrative contract until 2025 worth well over €200 million.
Although it is believed that Benzema had previously agreed to a contract extension in Madrid, it was never finalized, which allowed him to join former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, who signed with Al-Nassr in January, in Saudi Arabia.
At a celebration on Thursday night, Benzema received the Marca Legend award.
When asked about his future during a Q&A session on stage, he said that there is still one La Liga match left in the season.
“Why do I have to talk about the future? I’m at Real Madrid. The reality is another, not what is said on the internet,” the player commented.
It is not clear exactly what ‘reality’ he was referring to.
“I am very proud of my work,” Benzema added. “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.”
Benzema also reflected at his time with Real, joining the club in 2009 after making his name as a teen prodigy at Lyon.
“Proud of my career,” he said. “I remember when I signed for Real Madrid that I was a child, 21 years old. I just wanted to enjoy myself and look at all that I’ve won. There is no other club like Real Madrid, playing at the Santiago Bernabu, the place where the greatest of this sport have played. It was always my dream because it is the best club in history.
“[Florentinto Perez] is the man who has allowed me to be here today. The man who signed Zinedine Zidane and the man who brought me to Real Madrid.”