Karim Benzema ‘feels great at this great club’ and backs Real Madrid ‘to get more goals this year’ than they did with Cristiano Ronaldo.
Benzema was linked with moves away from Madrid over the summer and has not topped his personal best of 32 goals during the 2011-12 campaign, but the Frenchman insists he is ready to fill the void left by Ronaldo.
“I feel great at this club and long may it continue,” he told Real Madrid TV.
“I’m always happy when I’m out on the pitch. I’m content with the ball at my feet and I always try to score goals and set them up.
“You can see out there that I’m playing well, I feel fighting fit, motivated and eager to have a great year. This is a crucial year for everyone.
“We’re looking good now, playing as a team and we all attack and defend together. We’re also enjoying a bit more luck in front of goal than previously.
“People always demand more of me because Madrid is the best club in the world and everyone calls for more goals and assists from their striker, that’s to be expected.
“It motivates me to have a fantastic year, which is important. Before, we had Cristiano but he’s not here to get the goals now so that falls more on me.
“I’m extremely motivated and well prepared for it. I was thrilled to make it to that figure [of 200 goals].
“When I look back I think about what I’ve achieved at Madrid, I’ve sacrificed a lot. I’m keen to keep my head up and be aware of everything that’s going on out on the pitch.
“My play is much the same, I’m scoring more goals now because I’m in positions where I get more chances to do so.
“We’re going to try and keep scoring more because when you score, trophies are never far away.
“We’re going to try and get more goals this year. The more you score, the more likely you are to win titles. I want to score goals and set them up in every game.
“The number is a private thing, I’ve got it in my head but I try and help my teammates through goals in every match.
“I always have the same feelings, I want to link-up with my teammates and provide assists. I get more chances these days.”
