Benzema: I want to be the Real deal

11 May 2010 13:56
Karim Benzema has cooled talk he could join Manchester United by saying he remains "very happy" at Real Madrid and intends to stay in Spain.[LNB] The 22-year-old France forward moved to the Spanish capital from Lyon last summer for around 35 million euros.[LNB]He has failed to have the desired impact at the Bernabeu so far but reckons it is only a matter of time before he is back to his best.[LNB]"I am very happy at Real Madrid and the club trust me," he said.[LNB]"I'm not disappointed (with the season). It's a great experience to play for Real Madrid and next season will be much better.[LNB]"I wish I had been better, but this is the first of six seasons I will be here.[LNB]"The next year I hope to be much better."[LNB]United had been linked with a summer swoop for Benzema, but the player insists his only focus is on working hard and claiming a regular shirt for the club.[LNB]He added: "I know when I play well and when I play bad. It's been a very difficult year for me because it is the first time I'm out of my country, away from my family and my friends.[LNB]"The bottom line for me is work, work, work."[LNB]Madrid head into the final round of Primera Division fixtures this weekend a point behind arch rivals Barcelona.[LNB]Manuel Pellegrini's side must win at Malaga and hope Barca fail to beat Real Valladolid at the Nou Camp.[LNB]"They will be hard games," said Benzema. "If Barcelona win they are champions, but we have to focus on our match against Malaga and not think of Barcelona."

Source: Team_Talk