Karim Benzema has admitted that Cristiano Ronaldo's departure from Real Madrid helped him 'change his game' and become one of the most lethal forwards in world football.
Benzema enjoyed the best campaign of his career last season as he scored a staggering 44 goals in all competitions.
He played an incredibly key role in Real's La Liga and Champions League success.
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The 34-year-old has filled the void left by Ronaldo, but insists he owes a lot to the Manchester United man having helped him on and off the pitch.
Speaking ahead of Real's Super Cup clash against Eintracht Frankfurt, he revealed: "It's been different for me since Cristiano Ronaldo left Real Madrid."
Benzema added: "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."
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Benzema and Ronaldo played together for nine trophy-laden and prolific seasons before the Portuguese superstar moved to Juventus in 2018.
But the French international is relishing being the main man up front, scoring goals at an alarming rate.
Benzema will be looking to bag the first trophy of the new season when his side face Europa League holders Frankfurt in the Super Cup.
Topics: Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid, Football
Nasir Jabbar