Frenchman Karim Benzema, Real Madrid striker who won the “Golden Ball” (or balloon role), which is awarded to the best player in the world, confirmed that he had achieved his three main dreams in his life, praising the role of Italian Carlo Ancelotti, the coach of the royal team.
At the ceremony held in the French capital of Paris on Monday, Benzema got the Golden Ball award for the first time in his professional career.
Fifth French player to receive the honour, Benzema is the first since Zinedine Zidane in 1998.
Last year, Benzema shone and helped Real Madrid win both the Champions League and the Spanish League.
After the award system was altered, the Golden Ball Award was given for the players’ performance during the football season (which runs from August to May every year).
Benzema made statements to his official club website on the Internet today, Thursday. “Last season was my best season because I finally won the Golden Ball, and this was a dream for me since I was a child,” Benzema stated.
“I accomplished the three lifelong goals I had set for myself: purchasing a home for my mother, signing with Real Madrid, the best team in the world, and winning the Golden Ball. I’m extremely happy of what I accomplished.
“I will never be at their level; they won the Golden Ball for a very long period, and I just got it. I am not better than Zidane and the Brazilian Ronaldo; we are different, and both of them are my ideals. I cannot accomplish what he did on the field, but they helped me attempt to do so.
While Ronaldo, a Brazilian, was there, gave Benzema the prize on behalf of his teammate Zidane.
“Ancelotti is a great coach, giving me a lot of confidence, he allows me to play football in my way, he always asks me to win and be different, and without pressure,” said French striker.
He continued, “Ancelotti told me one day in his office that I can score 50 goals a season, and ever since, I’ve been very confident. He’s a terrific coach who instils confidence in his players.
“We know how difficult it is to reach the Champions League final, and not win the title. The coronation for one time is very complicated, while the coronation is 5 times, it is a great history, Real Madrid is a club that has a history, and for this it is the best,” said Karim Benzema in reference to his career-long record of winning the Champions League.
Benzema: I fulfilled my three goals, and Ancelotti’s words gave me more confidence.
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