Football exclusive: BENZEMA DREAMS OF UNITED
Karim Benzema has declared his dream for playing for Manchester United in an exclusive interview with a local Paris radio station. The news will come as a pleasant surprise to the Premier League Champions after losing Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid and Carlos Tevez. It is said that the hierachy at United see Benzema as the only replacement for Ronaldo.
Speaking from his house in Lyon, Benzema revealed, "I love Lyon. I've had a great time here, won some trophies and had some great memories. But football is all about challenges and I feel I'm ready for a new one."
After Lyon's failure to win this years Ligue 1 title many pundits felt this was Benzema's chance to move on.
"I'm young and at the peak of my football and want to play at the biggest level. The Premier League is the best league in the world and it'd be fantastic to be a part of that. And obviously Manchester is the best place to be at right now. They are European Champions, so it's fantastic no? And when I played there last year, it was a great atmosphere." Benzema added
The opportunity to play with the stars at United is an added attraction. "United have some great players. Giggs and Scholes are legends. Then there's Rooney. And also Evra who is a good friend of mine."
And when asked if he'd like to play at United his answer was straightforward, "Yes, how can anyone say no? They are World Champions. It will be a dream come true."
This news will no doubt shock Claude Puel who has just recently pledged his future to Lyon. But Sir Alex Ferguson will no doubt be sleep easier tonight, knowing that should his star man leave there's another eager to take his place.[/B]