Karim Benzema has made his first public speech since winning the Ballon d'Or in October. The Real Madrid striker revealed to Amazon Prime that he had some fitness issues that had prevented him from playing regularly for Los Blancos in the run-up to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The striker was in Lyon to parade his trophy at the home of the club where he made his name.

“Winning the World Cup would be one of my best ever birthday presents (Benzema turns 35 on 19 December, the day after the final). Each match will be a cup final. We’ve got a great group of players, we’re going to take it one game at a time. I’ve had a few little fitness issues but nothing serious. There’s still plenty of time until the 22nd (when France play their first game against Australia). I’ll be fine, I’ll be physically and mentally ready,” said the former Lyon man when asked about the upcoming World Cup, for which he has been recalled by Didier Deschamps after missing out in 2018.

"It is incredible. Thanks to Lyon, my boyhood club, and my current club Real Madrid for supporting me in realizing my dreams. They have always supported me, and I began climbing the ranks here, so this incredible moment is very touching for me. It is my hometown and the team that enabled me to realize my dream of joining Real Madrid. Being surrounded by so many people and all of my supporters makes me incredibly proud of the work I have done, and I know they feel the same way".