Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema is adamant that he isn’t in Zinedine Zidane’s team to purely to serve Cristiano Ronaldo.
The former France international has enjoyed a good run of form in recent weeks as Real Madrid secured their place in the Champions League final against Juventus, while on the domestic front Los Blancos have the advantage over Real Madrid in the La Liga title race, courtesy of one fewer game played.
However, despite the team’s success, much of the narrative around the 11-time European Champions is centred around topscorer Ronaldo.
Benzema highlighted the massive influence Ronaldo has on Zidane’s team but was keen to make clear he and his teammates are picked to work with rather than for the Portuguese goalscorer.
“I often heard it said that I’m at Cristiano’s service. That’s not true. That’s not how it is. I get on well, especially with
good players. If a player makes a good run, the right movement with the right timing, it’s easier to have an understanding,” Benzema told L’Equipe.
“Cristiano scores more with his enormous talent. I don’t need him to thank me. We’re friends, but above all great professionals. Cristiano has also given me quite a few assists. Perhaps that’s highlighted less. He’s also a real team player. That’s all the difference in the analysis.
“Between us, I think we’re not far off 150 Champions League goals for Real and I don’t know how many assists for each other. We know each other by heart. That’s also why we have lasted together for eight seasons in the biggest club in the world.”
Despite dropping in and out the team over the course of the season due to injury and poor form, Benzema has contributed nine goals and four assists in 27 La Liga appearances so far this season.
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