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Carlo Ancelotti hopeful Karim Benzema, Luka Modric will "retire at Real Madrid"

Ancelotti hopeful Benzema, Modric will
© Reuters
Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti hopes that "legends" Karim Benzema and Luka Modric will "retire" at the club.

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti is hopeful that Karim Benzema and Luka Modric will "retire" at the club amid reports of interest from Saudi Arabia.

Neither Benzema nor Modric have agreed new contracts at Bernabeu, with their current deals due to expire at the end of June.

According to El Mundo, Saudi Arabia representatives have been in touch with the Real Madrid duo to make it clear that they are interested in bringing them to their top league at the end of the campaign.

However, speaking during his press conference to preview Thursday's La Liga clash with Valencia, Ancelotti said that the "two legends" must "retire at Real Madrid".

"I think two legends like them have to retire at Real Madrid. They have to stay," the Italian told reporters.

Karim Benzema in action for Real Madrid on October 5, 2022© Reuters

Benzema has struggled with injury problems during the 2022-23 campaign, but he has still scored 13 goals and registered one assist in 20 appearances in all competitions.

The 35-year-old failed to score in the group stage of the Champions League, but he has managed nine goals in 11 appearances in Spain's top flight this term.

Meanwhile, in total, the Frenchman has netted 336 goals in 625 appearances for Los Blancos, putting him second on the all-time scoring list behind Cristiano Ronaldo (450).

Modric has also again been a vital player for Los Blancos this season, meanwhile, scoring five goals and registering three assists in 25 appearances in all competitions.

Luka Modric celebrates scoring for Real Madrid on November 2, 2022© Reuters

The Croatian is believed to be considering his future, though, with the experienced midfielder thought to be keen to take on one last challenge before the end of his career.

Real Madrid were quiet during the summer transfer window, only bringing in Aurelien Tchouameni and Antonio Rudiger, while they did not make any January additions.

"We did not buy any players in January because we planned the squad in the summer. And it was a very good plan. We do not need anybody," Ancelotti added when questioned on the club's transfer activity.

Tchouameni and Dani Carvajal are back in the squad for Thursday's clash with Valencia, but David Alaba, Lucas Vazquez and Ferland Mendy remain unavailable for selection through injury.

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