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'Reality is not the internet', Karim Benzema says of lucrative Saudi Arabia move

The Real Madrid striker could net $215m in a two-year deal in the Gulf kingdom



Real Madrid's French forward Karim Benzema
Image Credit: AFP

Madrid: Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema insisted on Thursday that "reality is not the internet" in response to rumours of a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia.

"Why am I going to talk about the future if I am in Madrid?" asked the Frenchman.

"The thing that is talking is the internet and reality is not the internet."

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Benzema was responding to claims he might be en route to a Saudi club, although he still has a year left on his contract with the Spanish giants.

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According to Spanish press reports, Benzema could net 200 million euros ($215m) in a two-year deal in the Gulf kingdom.

"For now I'm here," he said. "Tomorrow I go training, I enjoy every day and on Sunday I have a game.

"I'm very proud of my work and I enjoy every training session, every game and the most important thing is to enjoy.

"When I go to Valdebebas it's not work for me because the day it's work I won't want to do it anymore.

"I enjoy football like children do and in my head I'm still a child," said Benzema, who has won 25 titles in his time at Real Madrid.

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Benzema, speaking at an award ceremony by Marca newspaper, explained that his approach to the game meant he tried to be a more versatile striker.

"I know how to score goals, but what I want in football because I like football is what I can do on the field: movement, assists - I try to do things that are not seen in other strikers."

Benzema said retired Brazilian player Ronaldo was his role model, explaining that "not only was he a goal scorer, but he could shimmy, make assists".

And the French striker was also humble when collecting his Marca award, saying that "when a player receives a trophy it is always with the whole team because without my teammates I can't reach the level".

"I have the talent, but you need the help of others, we always need the help of the whole team."

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