Benzema signs contract extension at Madrid

"Real Madrid announces the extension of Karim Benzema's contract for the next five seasons until June 30, 2019," a tweet read.Former Lyon striker Benzema, 26, joined Madrid in 2009 and has scored 111 goals in 235 competitive matches.Life in Madrid started slowly for Benzema but last season he hit 17 goals in La Liga and five in the Champions League as Real finished third in the championship while winning European and domestic cup titles.Benzema also featured for France at this summer's World Cup and has scored 24 goals in 71 international games.OUR VIEWAs noted earlier, Benzema has scored a fair number of goals at Real. While a century in five seasons would be seen as a strong return at most clubs, the free-scoring nature of La Liga's top sides - and of Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo in particular - means some fans view him as an underachiever.Indeed, Benzema has long been linked with a move away from the Bernabeu, with Arsenal and Liverpool among reported suitors.It seems Real boss Carlo Ancelotti rates Benzema, who is happy to do the dirty work for Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, and weighs in with his fair share of goals and assists.For now, hopes of seeing him in the Premier League have faded. But the world of football is fickle, and he could well move on next summer.(uk.eurosport.yahoo.com)Bakudaily.az