Benzema shuts down 'LIARS' who claim he is unhappy in Saudi Arabia

Karim Benzema has shutdown claims he is unhappy in Saudi Arabia and insisted he has no issues with the Al-Ittihad manager Marcelo Gallardo despite recent news.

The former Real Madrid forward was the Saudi Pro League side's marquee signing last summer, joining from the Spanish giants on a free transfer.

The Frenchman - who signed a three-year deal with the club - has performed well on the pitch but appeared to be struggling with issues off it.

Benzema was said to have been excluded from first XI training after returning from his holiday 17 days late last month.

A source said they couldn't even establish contact with him for 10 days as he holidayed in Mauritius, although he was reportedly stuck there due to a cyclone.

The incident meant that Benzema did not travel with his team-mates to their mid-season training camp taking place in Dubai.

Benzema was subsequently dropped for their Saudi Pro League game against Al-Tai and failed to make the squad for squad for their Asian Champions League trip to Navbahor Namangan in Uzbekistan.

However, Benzema has shutdown claims he is unhappy in Saudi Arabia and said he has no issues with Gallardo.

Speaking to reporters, Benzema said: 'I am back and now I am better. The story of my departure is not true and I am happy in Saudi Arabia.

'I have no problems with [Marcelo] Gallardo, all those who say I want to return to Europe are liars. I am very happy at Al-Ittihad.'

He finished by saying: 'For my part, I have no problem with anyone. Ask the coach about my absence, I was ready for the internship in Dubai.'

This is not the first time Benzema has hit back at reports stating he was unhappy in Saudi Arabia. He denied similar claims when speaking to GQ Middle East.

Benzema said: 'It [being in Saudi] is