Benzema: Cristiano helped me a lot, and reaching his goal tally is impossible

Image: Marca

Karim Benzema was named UEFA Player of the Year for 2021/22 after leading his club to LaLiga Santander and Champions League glory last season.

The Frenchman claimed that last season was his best and best in his career at Real Madrid, though he is 34 years old.

Speaking after the award, Benzema said these words to European Sports Media (ESM):

"Now, at 34, I'm better, I play better." 

"It's true that on a personal level, this was the best season of my career, but there's one thing that hasn't changed: I go to the pitch thinking about what I have to do to win the game, I think about the team, not myself."

Benzema admitted that 2021/2022 Champions League trophy was the sweetest that he has won in his career due to the way Real Madrid turned their knockout ties around.

"Although every title has its own history and is different, it is clear that this Champions League was the most difficult of the five I have won, and for me, it was also the most beautiful because of the comebacks and because we never gave up," Benzema added.

The Frenchman also stressed that he didn't change his game following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid back in 2018.

"Cristiano helped me a lot," Benzema noted.

Image: Fair Play News

"With him, I had another role, and when he left, I knew I could take a step forward in scoring goals but still playing football.

"What has changed since then is my goal tally, but I'm still playing the way I think you have to play this game. The figures mean I'm not far behind the Real Madrid legends, and that gives me confidence, even though I know that reaching Cristiano's goal [figures] is impossible.

"That's why I focus on what I can do on the pitch to help the team win. Numbers are not the most important thing. I don't play, thinking only about titles or goals.

"I play because I love football, although I do have dreams, of course, like winning the World Cup or a Ballon d'Or."

Source: marca.com

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