Karim Benzema re-ups with Real Madrid on five-year deal

Real Madrid have announced that striker Karim Benzema has signed a new five-year deal with the club.

The France striker -- a key member of the side which won a 10th European Cup last season -- will now stay in the Spanish capital until the summer of 2019 at least.

The 26-year-old joined Madrid in 2009 for £30 million from Lyon and has scored 111 goals in 235 appearances since then.

His initial form at the club caused some to suggest he may not have been worth the outlay -- he scored just nine goals in his first season -- but the faith shown in him has been rewarded.

Since then he has returned tallies of 26, 32, 20 and 24, with his goals proving increasingly vital at home and in Europe.

Benzema also enjoyed a successful World Cup, scoring three goals as France went as far as the quarter-finals.

A brief statement from Madrid read: "Real Madrid announce the extension of the contract between the player Karim Benzema and the club until June 30, 2019, the next five seasons."