New Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has predicted a goal bonanza next season after the club’s latest high-profile recruit completed his €35m move to the Spanish capital from Olympique Lyonnais.
The 21-year-old French international became Madrid’s fourth summer signing following the arrivals of Kaká, Raúl Albiol and Cristiano Ronaldo and he made it clear he expects a prolific season ahead for Los Blancos.
“I’m not making any promises but with this side it’s obvious that we’re going to score a lot of goals,” Benzema said. “I’m very ambitious and since I was 15 I’ve dreamed of playing here. I’ve come to learn and to improve and that will be made easier by the fact I’ll be surrounded by great players.”
Delighted to be at the club as where his idols Zinédine Zidane and Ronaldo once played, Benzema said it did not take much persuading by Madrid president Florentino Pérez for him to pen a six-year contract with the nine-time European Champion Clubs’ Cup winners.
“Florentino spoke to me about his project here and said it was a club where I could win titles, but it was obvious that I wanted to come and he didn’t have to try to win me over,” the forward said. “There were many clubs that were interested in me like Manchester United, Inter Milan and Barcelona but I decided to come here and I want to adapt as soon as possible so I can establish myself in the first team.”
A four-time French league champion with Lyon and Ligue 1’s top scorer in 2007/08, Benzema will look be looking to help Madrid challenge for top honours both on the domestic front and in Europe, where their 2009/10 UEFA Champions League campaign starts in the group stage.