Karim Benzema plays down rumours of Real Madrid exit and possible Saudi Pro League reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo

Karim Benzema refused to be drawn on his Real Madrid future amid speculation he is set to join Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad when his contract expires this month.

However, at the awards ceremony for the MARCA Leyenda award, where he was the winner, the Frenchman addressed the rumours about his Bernabeu future, playing down talk of a move.

“Why do I have to talk about the future? I’m at Real Madrid. The reality is different, not what is said on the internet,” he said. “I’m very proud of my work, I enjoy every moment in Madrid.

“In my mind, I enjoy being in Madrid. Yesterday, today and tomorrow in training,”

He added: “I have a game on Saturday, I train tomorrow, so at the moment I’m in Madrid.”

The Frenchman has won 24 trophies during an incredible 14-year stay at the Bernabeu, including five Champions League titles and four Liga crowns.

Should the move to Al Ittihad be confirmed, the 35-year-old is expected to receive a hero’s send-off when Real Madrid host Athletic Club in their final game of the Liga season at the weekend.

The prospective move to Saudi Arabia would pit the Frenchman against former Los Blancos team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr in December.

Al Ittihad pipped Al Nassr to the title this season.