Spain Is My Favourite And Real Madrid My Team - Benzema

Karim Benzema has stated that Spain and Real Madrid are his dream destinations should he leave Olympqiue Lyonnais, but admits that he could yet remain with the French champions for another season.

The highly-rated 21-year-old has been tipped to join one of Europe's biggest clubs in the summer, and has made his first choice clear by reiterating his admiration for Los Merengues.

Madrid have made no comment publicly about links to Benzema, while Barcelona are also said to be interested, but the player himself has opted to promote the move himself.

"For me, Madrid is a dream. They are a club I have liked since I was small. But there are many clubs in which I would also like to play. Real Madrid is a great team and I have always said that I would like to play because they have been my team since I was young," he told AS.

"Besides, before I only liked Spanish football and that was all I watched.
"The English and Italian leagues are great, but there are more goals scored in Spain and where the best football is played. It is a good country for football and there are some big clubs there."

Benzema still lives with his family and that has meant that he is in no hurry to leave his home city or boyhood club, where he admits that he could yet stay for another season at least.

"Before I lived in a suburb where things were very difficult. I have been a responsible boy and I have fought hard to move away from this situation. I have always had my parents guiding me and they have been a great help. I have always been focused on my dream and I hope to continue to grow," he explained.

"Lyon is not the type of city where everyone loves football passionately, like they do in Marseille. But it is a great club that is making history at the moment. We have won seven consecutive leagues and our popularity is growing all the time in France.

"For the moment I am fine here. I cannot tell you what will happen in the next ten years, or even that I will stay with Olympique Lyonnais next year. It could all depend on how we do in the Champions League."

If anyone was unsure of Benzema's ability, he was asked about where he plays and gave an impressive description of what any prospective club would be buying.

"Karim Benzema is a centre forward through and through. I knew I had something when I was very young and I scored: I have a free role and can play all over. I used to like dropping back and winning the ball before passing it. I like to score goals, but I also like to set up my team-mates," he added.

Lucas Brown, Goal.com