‘It was the moment’ – Karim Benzema reveals how Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Juventus paved the way for him to become Real Madrid’s star man as the 34-year-old discusses the applause of the best player in the world

Karim Benzema has admitted he took advantage of Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit from Real Madrid in 2018, saying it ‘changed his ambitions’.

The Manchester United star spent nine years at the Bernabeu where he scored 444 goals in 434 appearances.

Undoubtedly Madrid’s talisman in that era, Ronaldo made it difficult for the club’s other attacking stars to get noticed.

This included Benzema, who appears to have aged like fine wine during his career with the Spanish giants.

Now 34, the French star seems to be improving every year with the last four seasons bringing him 131 goals for the club in all competitions.

But while learning a lot from Ronaldo, Benzema believes his priorities changed after the Portuguese star moved to Juventus in 2018.

Benzema explained: “It’s been different for me since Cristiano Ronaldo left Real Madrid.

“It’s true that I scored a lot more goals, but when Cristiano was there, we had a different style of play, I made more assists.

“He really helped me on and off the pitch.

“But in that moment I knew I could do more and when he left it was time to change my game, change my ambitions and I’m doing that well right now.”

When asked if he is the best player in the world, Benzema replied: “I’m not going to say if I’m the best or not, but every year I try to give my all for the best club in the world. .

“I have to play at a high level every year, but it’s true that last year’s level was very good.

“I just try to help my team in matches. I don’t think about Marcelo’s record, but I will try to win as many trophies as possible.

“I have always said that collective trophies are more important than individual ones.”