Karim Benzema was the guest of Tout le sport on Tuesday, one week before France’s first match against Australia for the World Cup in Qatar.
A few hours from taking off in Qatar for the Football World Cup, Karim Benzema took the time, at the microphone of Tout le sport, to look back on his crazy year at the end of which he won a new Champions League with Real Madrid and their first Ballon d’Or. He also talks about his ambitions with the Blues, who are aiming for the title at the World Cup.
Fabien Levêque: How do you feel after almost a month without competition?
I’m fine, I have no more pain or discomfort. I had some problems at the start of the season, but I am physically and mentally ready. I will be ready for the first game.
Is there any apprehension before starting this World Cup?
We are already in it, even if it is only training. Mentally, we are already ready. Personally, the desire has always been there. Being part of the group is a dream and an opportunity to do something big. The most important thing for me is to be there on D-Day with good pressure. Looking good on the pitch, scoring goals, making assists, having fun.
Is the France team ready for this World Cup?
Everyone has a lot of ambition, we are a great footballing nation, the first game is coming soon and we are all ready. We will have to show on the field that we are favourites. We have extraordinary potential in attack, we are very strong, we can score a lot of goals. Whatever the attacker lined up, it will be necessary to be efficient.
You are coming out of an incredible season with a fifth Champions League and your first Ballon d’Or, how are you living it?
It is a dream of a child who loves football and who still loves it to the fullest in adulthood. Every day I look at the trophy at home and think to myself that I did it. I couldn’t see myself quitting football without winning a Ballon d’Or. The talent I have, it just needed a lot more ambition than before
I think we ask too much of footballers. The controversies are there, we can’t ignore them, but the most important thing is to stay focused on football. If someone wants to express themselves, they can do so.
Karim Benzemain the program Tout le sport
What eye do you have on the controversies linked to the World Cup in Qatar?
The controversies, you know… You can’t change anything. The announcement of the choice of Qatar dates from 2010, come to argue a week before, we must stop and let us concentrate. We need to be well, and for that, we must leave the controversies aside. A football player needs to be solely focused on football.