Carlo Ancelotti has said he has “no doubts” that Karim Benzema’s future lies at Real Madrid after reportes emerged that the forward had decided to leave the club and accept an offer from Saudi Arabia.

Benzema, 35, had been expected to stay at Madrid until June 2024, but it emerged this week that he was considering a lucrative move to Saudi side Al Ittihad.

The forward would not be drawn on the subject during an award ceremony in Madrid on Thursday, telling Marca that “for the time being I’m here” and “reality isn’t the internet.”

“Benzema is ready to play tomorrow,” Ancelotti said on Saturday, in a news conference ahead of Madrid’s final LaLiga game of the season against Athletic Club.

“He has another year on his contract. So I think we have no doubts here.”