Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema ‘does not care’ about criticism within the press as ‘that is what sells newspapers’.
The 30-year-old has come in for criticism this season due to a lack of goal return – he has netted just five league goals this campaign – and ineffectual performances.
“The best players are constantly criticised because that is what sells newspapers,” Benzema told an interview with Marca.
“When I do not play well, I know I did not have a good game so I have no need to read more about it in the press.
“When my name is in the papers it does not impact me, I do not care about it because it does not mean anything because I know I always try my best to win every game.”
The former France international also described his special relationship with Madrid’s president Florentino Perez and how his feelings for his national side are not strong.
“After spending a day in prison, I returned to Valdebabas (Madrid’s training ground) very sad and Florentino waited for me…he gave me all of his love and he is with me in both the good and bad times – he is like family to me,” Benzema added.
“When I was 23, I realised that I had to be more disciplined or else I would end up back in France, I made many sacrifices to get to this point.
“France? If we listen to La Marseillaise, it is a call to go to war and I am not a fan of that.”
