Spain

Karim Benzema: I Could Have Joined Manchester United, Barcelona, Inter Or AC Milan

The French star has revealed that he turned down the chance to play for many of Europe's top clubs...

Jul 4, 2009 2:30:08 PM

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Karim Benzema

Karim Benzema has claimed that he could have joined the likes of Barcelona or Manchester United, but decided instead to move to Real Madrid.

The French striker agreed a deal with the capital side during the week and is set to join them on a six-year deal worth an initial €35 million.

Speaking about the situation with Madrid, Benzema acknowledged that he did want to stay with Lyon originally, but that the opportunity was too big to pass up.

"When I started to play football, I had a lot of dreams. The first was to become a professional footballer. The second to play for the French team. The third was to wear the Real Madrid shirt," Sky Sports quote him as saying.

"Indeed, I could have joined Manchester United, Barcelona, Internazionale or AC Milan, but Real are unique. Everyone is dreaming to play at Real.

"I really wanted to stay at Lyon until the next World Cup. The opportunity to play with stars like Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo and so many great players, made me change my mind."

Benzema went onto explain that Florentino Perez visiting his house played a big part in him deciding to go to Madrid.

"Real are a kid's dream. Florentino Perez came to my house at Bron. That was important. He can speak French and I understood he absolutely wanted me. I could only have left for Real. It was my dream, that's all," he mused.

Finally, the youngster declared that he is keen to get to the Spanish capital and start to play for his new team.

"I am eager to be at the training-sessions, wear that shirt and play the first league match. I know I will join a new world," he said.

"Why shouldn't I play each match? I want to make a name for myself as quickly as possible."

James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com

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