The Real Madrid striker, Karim Benzema, has granted an interview to Telefoot in which he has reviewed the news of the white team, the Champions League tie against PSG and also how special it is to face his friend Kylian Mbappé. The French international is experiencing a sweet moment this season in Chamartín, acknowledging that Madrid has meant everything to him throughout his career, as well as thanking the fans for their unconditional support.
“Madrid is everything: I became a man here”
His status at Real, the disappointment of the Ballon d’Or, the shock against PSG: in the first part of his exclusive interview with @FredCalenge, @Benzema comes without filter
See you this Sunday at 11 a.m. for this UNMISSABLE itw ???? pic.twitter.com/WyhuXAiLkS
— Telefoot (@telefoot_TF1) January 22, 2022
Madrid and Real Madrid: “Madrid means everything to me. I have become a man here. I feel at home in Spain, the lifestyle is perfect, everything is good for me. “When you arrive at a club like Madrid, you don’t think that you will be here for 15-20 years, you think above all that you would like to win titles as soon as possible, because it is the biggest club in the world.
The importance of winning: Finishing “4th, 3rd, 2nd or 30th, it’s the same, the important thing is to win. Sometimes it’s the trophies, sometimes the goals, it changes every year. For me, the Ballon d’Or is for someone who carries his team, scores in difficult moments and wins titles”
Win the Ballon d’Or in 2022: “Winning the Ballon d’Or in 2022? Why not, we can make it a goal, but I will do my best to do better than last year.”
The exit of Cristiano Ronaldo: “I learned a lot with Cristiano, so I was prepared when he left. When I wear the armband, it pushes me even more to lead by example. It’s something exceptional for me.”
The tie against PSG: “The game is coming up, does it excite me? It’s a Champions League game. We know that Champions League games are always complicated. I would have liked more to face another team. Unfortunately, we got PSG”
Facing Mbappé at PSG: “More than special because we like each other very well. For many things, it’s clear. I want to win and so does he. But yes, it’s going to be special. And, of course, it’s going to be a great game”.
Fan Support: “Seeing the fans chant my name before the Ballon d’Or and sing my birthday are things that move me and push me to continue showing things on the pitch”.