Karim Benzema has shrugged off Real Madrid’s reported interest in Luis Suarez, insisting he feel under no pressure from the Uruguayan.
Although Los Blancos finally won their tenth European Cup last season, they finished third in La Liga behind rivals Barcelona and champions Atletico Madrid. Carlo Ancelotti will be expected to fare much better in La Liga next time round, but the Italian can at least expect a healthy transfer budget in the summer.
It has been widely reported that the Bernabeu giants, who broke the world transfer record by signing Gareth Bale last year, have made Suarez their number one target. The 27-year-old has just enjoyed a sensational campaign with Liverpool, during which he fired them to within just two points of a first league title since 1990.
Although the Uruguay international signed a new long-term contract at Anfield in December, the appeal of signing for the European champions is likely to be great for a player who feels he belongs to be considered amongst the very best in world football. It would likely take a huge offer for the Reds to sanction the departure of the former Ajax ace, but this is unlikely to deter Real if they make him their top want.
Should Suarez arrive in the Spanish capital, it is almost certain that the future of Benzema will be raised. The France international hasn’t completely convinced since his arrival from Lyon in 2009, despite scoring 72 goals in 159 league appearances. Indeed, the 26-year-old feels he has nothing to prove to his doubters, and has brushed off suggestions he could soon make way for the Liverpool striker.
“I’m not under any special pressure about it, Luis Suarez is a great player and has had a great season. If he comes, he’ll be a help,” Benzema told Marca, before adding: “There is no other club like this one. Every year I feel better and only think about Real Madrid. I am happy here and so is my family.”
