Video Interview - Karim Benzema: I Always Dreamed Of This Real Madrid Move

Karim Benzema is set to join Real Madrid imminently. Here he said his last words to Lyon fans and the first to his new club...

Karim, you're ending your OL career. Do you remember when you first got here. You were a kid of just nine?

Frankly, yes. I remember my first session was on pitch number 10 of the CFA. That was just next to the CFA's cage area. There were other guys there like Remy Riou and Sandy Paillot, who are now professionals.

Did you need advice and counsel there?

Yes, it was this that pushed me to make something of myself, and that's what happened.

What about the role of your family?

They were always important. They're always there, as are my friends. It's true that in my family everyone loves football. So it's great to have a family that's united behind you and doesn't leave you.

Tell us about your first pro contract.

I was at the European Championships and didn't have a contract yet. We won that tournament - and I was the only French player to have no contract! The club immediately called me in for a pro deal. I had other clubs interested in me but I did my training in Lyon, so I didn't want to be a pro elsewhere. When I signed it it was a dream come true.

Who did you train under at first?

I started with Paul Le Guen. He told me to double up in positions if he was missing a left back or a midfielder. From that moment it was clear in my mind that I would be a professional footballer, and I began working even faster to get there.

And then came the famous speech!

That's right - against Metz. The night before the match, Lamine Diatta, Sylvain Wiltord, Eric Abidal, Sydney Govou, they were all in my room. I was very shy. They said, 'you must make a speech', and I said, 'yeah, very good, leave me alone!' But after we ate they tapped the glass. I went all red - speechless! I got up and tried to talk. They all made fun of me. But they applauded me. They danced on the tables. It was fun.

After this period you were with Gerard Houllier. You kept gaining experience?

Yes, Gerard Houllier is a great coach. He made me grow. He gave me chances in big games, which raised my confidence. It opened my eyes to what I could do. It was through him that I managed to trust myself.

Do you remember what he said to you?

He told me to play the game, to progress, to wait. I was young at the time. I wanted to play. And that's what I did: I waited. I listened. And today I'm happy.

Your model player has always been Ronaldo...

He is the greatest player in the history of football. For me this is a guy who has every attribute a player dreams of having.

Do you think one day you'll get a Ballon d'Or - is that on your mind?

Yeah, I have thoughts on this. One must just keep having good seasons with many great matches whether one is with the club or the French national side. For me, this must be a player's goal in his head, even if it's an individual trophy and the first thought must be on the collective. But if you want to be a somebody in football, and be recognised, you need to win the Ballon d'Or at least once. It's always in the back of my mind. All that's happened to me so far has been a dream, but I must keep working to make others come true

Being here in Lyon's locker room for the last time - what does that mean to you?

It really warms my heart - I'm sad and happy at the same time. I'm happy because I'll be signing for a great club, which is one of the biggest in the world. But I'm sad because I'm leaving behind my training, my friends, the people with whom I grew up here in Lyon - I love all these things. But I will always follow Lyon because this club made me grow. I owe them everything.

Playing for Real Madrid is your kid self's dream come true?

That's all I wanted when I was young. Around where I'm from we all followed Madrid - that's a true story. When I was 16-18 this is the team I dreamed above. Now in a few weeks, I'll be there. I am very happy.

And to be alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka...

They are big stars, but I wish that there was also Ronaldo, the true number 9. But yes, this is true - these two are great players, Ballon d'Or winners. I must learn at their side.


What sticks with you from your years at Lyon?

I'll never forget the season when we did the double. That was a great campaign with an amazing squad. We could have even done better in the Champions League. Regrets? Failing to do the double this season, and our first leg against Barcelona. But above all, I'll never forget anyone from this club, from the Poussin era through to the professional days.

As you step onto the pitch at the Stade Gerland, how do you feel now?

I feel many things. A twinge in my heart - I scored many goals here, with many great games. This is where it all started. I hope this isn't my last time here.

Can you recall one of your best goals here?

I remember one against Lens at the south end, where I dribbled through from the side. My first goal in the league against Auxerre, a free-kick against Caen... then my first goal against Rosenborg, over at the north end, in the Champions League.

How about the derby? What does that mean to you?

I've always known since my youth about this game. I was always told that it's better to win against Saint Etienne. In truth I didn't know why at first - only later did I realise that the rivalry was really important. I heard from the St. Etienne players, when I played with France, that they give their absolute all against Lyon. Those matches are crazy.

Bernard Lacombe, what can you say about him?

I can say a lot... he was the most important person in my football career. We all know how many goals he scored here. He took me under his wing. I and my family are so indebted to what he's done... I'll keep in touch with him because he's someone I greatly appreciate.  I know that I'm leaving Lyon now, but I'm sad because he was my friend. I'm happy to have been with him.

He called you 'The Kid'...

Yes, all the time! Even if it was a bad pass, he'd say, 'Hey, kid, what are you doing?' When he commented on a match, it's because he saw it as if he was himself playing. What I liked about him is that he was true to me. He told me my faults, and my qualities. That's what I appreciated him so much.

If you had a message for him, what would you say?

I'd tell him: Bernard, life goes on. I continue on my way. But I really thank you for all you've done with me. Anyway, we'll keep in contact. I hope you often come to Madrid to see me play. I still say thank you.

And then he'll ask for your jersey.

He'll get the very first one.

Another OL character is Jean-Michel Aulas.

He's a great president. He's done everything for me to ensure that I feel great in Lyon. He did so much to build a team around me. As for this transfer, he knew Real Madrid was my dream and he agreed to let me go. I thank him. He's a great man and we have a real affinity. I spoke with him often: he's a nice guy - if you speak to him, he understands. On my transfer he was opposed of course because he didn't want me to leave, but he knew it was my dream, so I can ask him.

All the people who come here to Stade Gerland are sad to see you go. What do you want to tell them?

I've had a great time here. For a young person who starts, to be loved comes after good performances on the pitch. It's not easy to get into the hearts of the fans but I managed it. Today, I thank them: because of them I shot to stardom. When you have the supporters of the whole stadium behind you it pushes you even higher. Virage Nord, Virage Sud, Jean Jaures, Jean Bouin - all cheered and applauded me. I thank them. I hope to return - if possible I'll end my career here because to this club I owe everything. As I said I'm both happy and sad to be going. I leave behind a family. Of course I will still follow the club and I hope that we'll win the league again and pick up more cups.

Will you still have in your head the songs they sing for you?

It's true that the song's a bit special to me. Even my family sing it! As I said, I thank them, but I don't know what else to say. I'm sad like them. The fans are the ones I love.