'I am at the service of Madrid, not Ronaldo or Bale' - Benzema hoping for Bernabeu stay

Karim Benzema says he plays “for the group” at Real Madrid, not the benefit of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.

The Frenchman forms part of the famed BBC forward line at Santiago Bernabeu, but he insists that standing does not define him.

'Bale must leave CR7 to be great'

The 29-year-old considers himself to be an important part of the big picture in his own right, regardless of how much attention is given to others.

Ronaldo is the dominant figure in the Spanish capital, while Bale is the big-money acquisition considered to be the Portuguese’s heir apparent.

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Benzema, though, has been a regular source of goals for Madrid since joining from Lyon in 2009 and hopes he has offered enough down the years to earn an extended stay.

"It would be a dream to finish my career at Real Madrid," Benzema told Christophe Dugarry's RMC show.

Benzema hopes for Deschamps talks

"There are no other clubs that light up my future like Madrid.

"I am at the service of the team, not Ronaldo or Bale. I play for the group."

Benzema is also enjoying working under fellow countryman Zinedine Zidane, with a Madrid legend handed the reins to help deliver further success – with the 2016 Champions League crown already captured.

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"He gives confidence to the group, knows how to speak to the players and is very calm,” added Benzema.

"He does not panic and he calms us." 

'CSL can't sign Messi or Ronaldo'

Benzema has endured a testing 2016-17 campaign in Madrid, with a demanding fan base making him the subject of jeers at times.

He has, however, contributed 16 goals to the cause, including three efforts in as many games during a successful Club World Cup campaign.