Benzema admits Real admiration

French star hints at choosing Madrid ahead of Manchester

By Ben Collins   Last updated: 10th June 2008

Benzema admits Real admiration

Benzema: Impressed by Real

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French hotshot Karim Benzema has hinted he would rather join Real Madrid than Manchester United when he opts to leave Lyon.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been a long-time admirer of the 20-year-old striker, who scored 21 league goals last season to become Ligue 1 player of the year and book his place in France's Euro 2008 squad.

Benzema feels he is not yet ready to leave Lyon for one of Europe's elite and signed a contract extension with the French champions in March that runs to 2013.

But when the time comes, he would be keen on joining Real, who are currently trying to lure Cristiano Ronaldo away from United.

Experience

"I like Real Madrid, but I think that I'm still too young to sign for a club like that," Benzema told Spanish newspaper Marca.

"I think that I need to get more experience and I'd like to help Lyon be a European champion. Then, in the future, we'll see what happens."

Benzema started up front alongside Nicolas Anelka as France drew their opening Group B game 0-0 against Romania on Monday.