Benzema laughs off Arsenal interest

Posted Monday, October 19, 2015 by

Karim Benzema says he has never come close to moving away from Real Madrid and reveals he laughs about the transfer rumours with his friends and family.

Karim Benzema says he has never come close to moving away from Real Madrid and reveals he laughs about the transfer rumours with his friends and family.

Speculation about Benzema moving to Arsenal seems to crop up every summer, but a move, or even a confirmation of interest from either party, has never materialised, prompting French newspaper Le Journal de Dimanche to ask the striker if he had ever considered a move.

"Never. Every summer I laugh about it with my brother and my friends. We wait for the media to come out with these rumours," he said.

"In my opinion, I think that Real and Barca are the pinnacle in football. Why would I leave? I'm a starter for the best club in the world. I am happy, it's that simple."

Benzema missed Real's 3-0 victory over Levante at the weekend after injuring his hamstring on international duty with France, and looks likely to miss the club's crucial Champions League match against PSG.

"I'm doing everything in my power to come back as soon as possible. I'm working hard to be available to play in Wednesday's match in Paris, but I don't want to rush things," he explained

"We know it's going to be difficult against them. PSG have grown used to these sorts of occasions now and up their game in the Champions League. Our goal is to finish top of the group."