Karim Benzema has admitted that he benefited from Cristiano Ronaldo’s Real Madrid exit in 2018, saying it ‘changed his ambitions’.

The Manchester United star spent nine years at the Bernabeu where he scored a staggering 444 goals in 434 appearances.

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Getty

Undoubtedly Madrid’s talisman during that time, Ronaldo made it difficult for any of the club’s other attacking stars to step into the limelight.

That included Benzema, who seems to have aged like a fine wine during his career with the Spanish giants.

Now 34 years of age, the French star seems to be getting better every year with the last four seasons bringing him 131 goals for the club in all competitions.

But while learning lots from Ronaldo, Benzema believes that his priorities changed following the Portugal star’s move to Juventus in 2018.

Benzema explained: “It’s been different for me since Cristiano Ronaldo left Real Madrid.

“It’s true that I’ve scored many more goals, but when Cristiano was here, we had a different style of play, I was providing more assists.

“He really helped me on and off the pitch.

“But at that time, I did know that I could do more and when he left, it was the time to change my game, change my ambitions and I am doing that well at the moment.”

Asked if he’s the best player in the world, Benzema said: “I’m not going to say if I’m the best or not, but, each year I try to give my maximum for the best club in the world.

“I have to play to a high level every year, but it’s true that last year’s level was very good.

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“I just try to help my team in the matches. I’m not thinking about Marcelo’s record, but I’m going to try to win as many trophies as possible.

“I’ve always said that the collective trophies are more important than the individual ones.”