Realmadrid TV’s Tertulia Magazine this week enjoyed the chance to catch up with a very special guest. Karim Benzema, the team’s third captain and seventh-highest goal-scorer in the club’s history (202), looked back over his career and discussed Real Madrid’s current outlook. He was joined on the show by two Whites’ legends, Xabi Alonso and Arbeloa.



“I feel great at this club and long may it continue. 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”.



Motivation

“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”.



Breaking the 200-goal mark

“I was thrilled to make it to that figure. 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”.



Aiming to beat his record - 32 goals

“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”.



Captain

“Being captain means a lot. Sergio is number one and he’s fantastic for us, he’s been a leader for a long time. We’re here to help the youngsters, speak with our teammates and the coach”.



Playing philosophy

“I like one or two-touch football with lots of quick movement. You have to be able to play fast and remain calm, depending on the circumstances in the game and the opposition. You have to keep moving, link up with your teammates, take advantage of the space… We play football to make the fans happy”.



Goal in Vigo

“I move from back to front and pick up a great pass. I take a nice touch. I love a good first touch, I practise that a lot in training because if you bring the ball down well you’ve got a lot more chance of scoring a goal”.



Four Champions Leagues

“We play to win titles. The Champions League is the top level and the demands are so high. These games against big opposition are so tough. We work hard to have a chance of winning the Champions League and other competitions. The Champions League is very difficult and I don’t know that any other team will repeat what we’ve managed. You have to be so committed to reach that level, train hard every day and come into it at your very best”.

“When we won La Décima I was extremely proud. It was a difficult game and Sergio’s goal was a joyful moment for everyone. Finals are always the same. You have to be hungry and ready for what the game brings. These are trophies I’ll never ever forget. It’s so hard to get to the final, every game is tough. When I win a title, I like to enjoy it with my family, I’m always closest to them”.



La Decimotercera

“It was one of my best performances in a Madrid shirt. That goal was not as easy as it looked. It’s all about anticipation, a vital element for a striker”.



Solari

“He looks great. As a coach, just like Zizou, he was previously a good player for Madrid. He’s very knowledgeable and he sees football as a possession-based game with quick, yet calm attacking play. He’s a fantastic coach for us. We’re looking good and we’ll continue in this vein”.



Ramos and Bale

“Sergio is a leader, our captain. He’s an example for everyone and he scores goals as well. He’s a good penalty-taker and that’s ideal for us. Bale is a formidable player, with tremendous speed and shooting. He brings us an awful lot, he’s a star, a unique player”.



Casemiro, Odriozola and Vinicius

“Casemiro is always there in between defence and attack. He’s incredibly strong and we miss him when he’s not there. Odriozola is young, quick and is great going forward and at the back, it’s great for Madrid. Vinicius is young but very good. He’s got a wonderful first touch and is very fast. He has to wait and gain more experience, but he’s a real ace, he’s fantastic”.



Message for the fans

“I hope they continue to support us and we can all keep winning things together this year. We need you all, Hala Madrid!”.



Xabi Alonso: “Benzema is among the best of the last decade”

“I love how he plays and links up with his teammates. I’ve always been keen on this kind of forward. I believe he’s one of the best of the last decade. He’s a spectacular player, the kind of guy I would always like to have as a teammate and as a player in general. He’s not a number nine in the box, he’s got a lot more to his game than that. He comes short, frees up the space… That gives the game far more depth. When Karim plays well, the team plays well”.



Arbeloa: “Karim gets ten-out-of-ten in everything, a football legend”

“I’ve always been a huge fan of Karim, he’s so difficult to mark, I’ve had to suffer through it in training. You see Karim’s stats and then look at the players who appear alongside him on these lists and you realise he’s a legendary player for Real Madrid and in world football. He’s a ten-out-of-ten in everything. He’s been a bit more selfish in front of goal this year, in the best sense of the word, and finishing lots of moves he starts. We’re seeing a more mature Karim, who speaks to the young lads and gives them advice. He’s an example and we’re proud to have him as one of us”.