Mueez Ajao
– Real Madrid’s on-form striker Karim Benzema has been dreaming of winning the Ballon d’Or since he was a little boy, he told Spanish daily AS in an interview published on Saturday.
– Benzema was selected on the long list of 30 for the 2021 Ballon d’Or on Friday, a day after scoring as France beat Belgium 3-2 and make the Nations League final.
– “I’ve been dreaming of winning it since I was a kid, we all do, all professional players,” said Benzema.
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– “So I’ve been doing everything possible and will continue to do so, because I hope to win it and fulfil my childhood dream.”
– With nine goals in eight games for Madrid this season, Benzema has flowered since Cristiano Ronaldo moved on two years ago.
– “What is important is that people enjoy my football and that I feel happy and proud.
– “There are strikers these days playing very well into their 30s and scoring many goals,” said Benzema, who will be 34 in December.
– “Modern football allows for that,” he said.
– “It’s always a pleasure to be named on this list of the top 30 players, and I’ll keep it in my a corner of my mind as an objective in the big matches.”
– France tackle Spain on Sunday in the Nations League final.
– “I’m sure it’ll be a huge final. Spain are a young team, but a very talented one. I just hope above all that it’s a great game,” he said.
