Real Madrid The striker was upset and annoyed by the comments

Real Madrid and Karim Benzema have not had an ideal start to the 2017/18 season, but few would have foreseen that he would have been surrounded in controversy after criticism from former England striker Gary Lineker.

The Match of the Day presenter claimed that the French international was 'overrated', drawing condemnation from Zinedine Zidane amongst others.

"The criticism from ex-footballers who become journalists, some of who only share their hate, I feel sorry for them, frankly," he responded in an interview with Les Inrockuptibles.

"They have experienced the same situations but don't have solidarity."

Benzema remains focused despite the comments and is determined to impress for France as well as Real Madrid.

"You have to make the most of all opportunities," he said of the 2018 World Cup. "Of course I want to return for France! Which footballer doesn't dream of playing in a World Cup?"

"I try to do my best for my club and we will see at the end. Talking isn't helpful and it can lead to misunderstandings. I don't talk anymore. I try to be successful and win titles."

It has been a long journey for the Real Madrid forward, which he opened up on.

"I began to play very young", he confessed.

"At the start we lived in a neighbourhood without a stadium. Two trees were the goal."

Despite the fact he has grown up, he still appreciates the role that his father had to play in his development too, and still does to this day.

"I come from a difficult place and I was lucky that my dad was always behind me," Benzema added.

"He is the person from my family who comes to see me in Madrid most. He comes to training sessions, games, he's always here."