Benzema: Vinicius has the ability to win the Ballon d Or and I may return to Real Madrid

In an exclusive interview with "AS", Jeddah United forward Benzema talked about the Saudi League, his old club Real Madrid and some topics about Vinicius.

A few weeks ago, when Riyadh won against Jeddah United, the greetings between you and Ronaldo on the field were very cold... You know how reporters are

- No, don't say that. We've talked in the locker room, we've hugged, we've talked... but we don't have to do that on the field. There's a lot of respect between us, everything is fine, we don't have to show anything to anyone. We both learned a lot from each other. It seems like we have to say or do something in front of the TV, but that's not the case. There is a lot of respect between us, but when we meet on the court we each have our own responsibilities.

How about Vinicius?

- He's a really nice guy, with a big heart, eager to learn... He's a genius, that's all. People put a lot of pressure on him, too much pressure. He is still young but has already played a lot of games at Real Madrid and cannot forget what he has done. You can’t say he’s not doing well right now, that’s unfair. He performed well, but he could do more.

This is his character. It's normal for him to get angry when he's taken off. Well, he shouldn't have done that. People need to know that this is his character. He makes some gestures on and off the field, but that's okay. He felt good on the court and thought he could do more, but he was a little dissatisfied when he was substituted. This is normal and no big deal.

Do you still think he could win the Ballon d'Or?

- For me, he could be a Ballon d'Or winner one day. It's difficult, but he can do it. As long as he puts his mind on the game and puts aside everything else, he can do it. He has the ability and at Real Madrid, this is the best place. There's no better place than here.

The latest Ballon d'Or winner is Dembele, who has also experienced some difficult moments.

- He has overcome many difficult times, he is a good person, a talented player and his performances in Paris have been crucial. He scored many key goals at important moments, so he deservedly won the Ballon d'Or.

What is missing from Real Madrid now?

- Mbappe may not touch the ball in certain games. What we expect from Mbappe is that when he gets the chance, he scores goals. Real Madrid is like that. He has done well and scoring goals is nothing new for him. He scored regularly at Paris Saint-Germain and will score more goals at Real Madrid. I think Vinicius, Mbappe, Rodrygo (even though he doesn’t play much) and Bellingham all need to work well together.

One is responsible for scoring goals and the other is responsible for assists. We will not ask Bellingham to score goals, because that is Mbappe's task; nor will we ask Mbappe to play the No. 10 position, because that is Bellingham's job, and they need to communicate with each other. The team is better, but they have to be more focused when Real Madrid needs it because they have everything.

Do you think it’s weird to measure players by running these days? Can you understand?

- It depends. Run when you have to run, especially when you need to. When you score, no one talks about your movement. Running at the right time is important. I score goals through tackles, which is also a job. I'm not someone who always runs, but I understand what that means at Real Madrid. I know when to run, like in the Champions League. Not just goals. I scored against PSG through pressing, these are small things but they help. I believe Mbappe can do the same.

You have won almost all the honors here

- I am living a good life here and receive a lot of love. Players, fans, coaches, staff... I watch Real Madrid games, watch the Champions League and imagine. The Champions League is magical and my contract is about to expire, that's a fact. I'm not sure yet whether I will stay or leave, it depends on a lot of things. I will be 38 years old this December. I feel like I can play for another two years.

Physically I feel good and I train very hard. I like football and enjoy it. I want to see what happens and what the club thinks. I like to meet face to face and understand their ideas. For me, staying here is the best option, but I'm not going to stay for a year or two just for the sake of staying, and I'm not willing to do that. I think the level in the Saudi league is getting better and better, I've been here for three years and it's getting better every year.

Indeed, I still have some feelings for Europe. I need to think carefully, make the right choice, and see where I feel best while not forgetting that I am loved by everyone here. But we will see, they demand something from me and I give it back to them. Everything is now 50/50, but there are some things to consider. I'm not retiring in six months and I'm not going to stop competing.

Even returning to Real Madrid?

- If Florentino was still around, that would be possible. I talked to him and it was possible. I am a Real Madrid fan and I feel part of Real Madrid deep down. Madrid is still my city and I feel part of it. Let's see what happens. If he is still...

Benzema: Zidane is fully qualified to be the French coach. The Saudi league needs players like me and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Benzema: This Real Madrid lacks a leader. Florentino has given me everything and I can never refuse him.

source:7m tỷ số