Real Madrid star Karim Benzema insists he does not play for Cristiano Ronaldo or Gareth Bale as he eyes long-term deal: 'I serve the group' 

  • French striker Karim Benzema would like to finish his career at Real Madrid
  • The 29-year-old insist he is his own man in the Bernabeu dressing room
  • Benzema wants to extend his stay at Real and 'dreams' of ending his career there

Karim Benzema has insisted he does not play for the benefit of Real Madrid stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.

The French striker feels he has an important role the Bernabeu and despite a less than stellar season in the Spanish capital is looking to extend his stay, until the of his career if possible.

The 29-year-old considers himself to be an important part of Zinedine Zidane's squad regardless of the fact attention is often focused on Real's brighter lights.

Karim Benzema insists he does not play for the benefit of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale

Karim Benzema insists he does not play for the benefit of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale

Ronaldo is the main man at Real Madrid and big-money acquisition Bale is his heir apparent

Ronaldo is the main man at Real Madrid and big-money acquisition Bale is his heir apparent

Ronaldo is the main man at Real and with Bale considered to be the Portuguese's heir. That leaves Benzema is very much the third wheel in the BBC forward combination. However the former Lyon man remains confident in his status.


'It would be a dream to finish my career at Real Madrid,' Benzema told Christophe Dugarry's RMC show

'There are no other clubs that light up my future like Madrid. I am at the service of the team, not Ronaldo or Bale. I play for the group.'

After Welsh ace Bale, Benzema is very much the third wheel in Madrid's BBC front three

After Welsh ace Bale, Benzema is very much the third wheel in Madrid's BBC front three

At international level Benzema remains on the outside looking in at the French set-up. That is a position he is keen to change.

He added: 'It's been a year and a half since I'm no longer in the France team, I feel it badly because I love football.

'Even if there are some who claim that I do not like the France team, I would have told the coach [if it were true].'

No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.

We are no longer accepting comments on this article.