Al Ittihad 'deny claims of a rift between Benzema and boss' with a video

Al-Ittihad have sought to play down rumours of tension between striker Karim Benzema and manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

Benzema ended his long association with Real Madrid to join Al-Ittihad on a free transfer this summer.

However, there have been suggestions that the 35-year-old is already unsettled at the Saudi Arabian club.

A report claimed that Santo told the Al-Ittihad board that Benzema doesn't fit his style of play and that he didn't ask for him to be signed.

It was also suggested that Benzema isn't comfortable at Al-Ittihad and that he could secure an early exit away from the club.

Al-Ittihad responded by posting a short video of Benzema, including the caption 'KB9 always happy'. They also posted a video on Snapchat of Benzema and Santo talking during a training session.

Santo also decided against naming Benzema as captain, with Romarinho given the armband instead.

Benzema has featured in both of Al-Ittihad's league games so far this season and provided an assist in a 3-0 victory against Al-Raed in the opening fixture of the campaign.

As well as Benzema, Al-Ittihad have also brought in N'Golo Kante from Chelsea and Fabinho from Liverpool.

Al-Ittihad are back in action on Thursday when they face Al-Riyadh away.