Despite recent rumors of a move to Saudi Arabia, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said yesterday he expects Karim Benzema (AFP, photo below) to remain with the club.

Ancelotti told a press conference, "We have no doubts here; Benzema is ready to play tomorrow (against Athletic Bilbao in the final league game of the season); he has recovered very well; he has a year on his contract."

All of Real Madrid's all-time greats must eventually hang it up. That's what the crowd and the team probably think, but there's also the player's perspective to consider.

Benzema was reportedly ready to sign with a Saudi club this week, but the star shot those rumors down during an awards ceremony on Thursday.

"Why should I, when I'm in Madrid, discuss the long haul? "The Internet is what gets talked about, but it's not reality," Benzema stated.

Ancelotti, however, has confirmed that the Santiago Bernabeu will see both new and returning faces this summer. He predicted that the new team, despite its diverse makeup, would still be strong enough to compete.

The Rayo Vallecano defender Fran Garcia has officially joined the club, as had been speculated for months, but the Italian coach refused to comment beyond that.

When asked about reports that Real Madrid is interested in signing Tottenham and England striker Harry Kane, Ancelotti remained mum.