Florentino Perez believes Karim Benzema is "the best number nine in the world".

Benzema continues to be a guaranteed starter for Madrid, but has not appeared for France since 2015, having been charged by police in connection with an alleged attempt to blackmail his international team-mate Mathieu Valbuena. 

The 29-year-old has denied any wrongdoing and the case is yet to go to trial.

The Madrid president meanwhile has backed the centre-forward, lauding him as "the best French player", and he hopes to see him finish his career at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"Karim is a mix of [Zinedine] Zidane and Ronaldo," Perez told RMC. "He is the best number nine in the world and the best French player.

"I am convinced that he will stay [at Madrid] and, while now we do not talk about [contract] renewals, if it was up to me, I would keep him here during his whole sporting life.

"I am very happy with Benzema and he has exemplary behaviour."