"Playing for Madrid will help Benzema win the Ballon d'Or"

Real Madrid and Olympique Lyonnais will meet in one month's time in the Round of 16 of the Champions League. Last Thursday, French television's TF1 reunited OL President Jean-Michel Aulas with his former star and current Madridista Karim Benzema at the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid President Florentino Perez welcomed Aulas and showed him around the facility. The two professed grand admiration for one another, which was all but clear last summer when negotiating the transfer of Karim Benzema. "There were other teams interested in Karim and who presented interesting offers, but the player called me and told me that this was the chance of a lifetime and that he didn't want this childhood dream to fall through his fingers," said Aulas.

Benzema then intervened, commenring that "Florentino Perez came to my house and offered me the chance to play here. It was a once-in-a-lifetime chance that I couldn't turn down. I chose this offer because it was the best for me. Florentino came to Lyon and we finalized the deal."

Aulas later added that "letting Karim go was difficult, but because of his interest in leaving and due to the excellent relationship that exists between both clubs, the transaction was very easy. Karim joined a very prestigious club. It will help him win the Ballon d'Or one day soon. He is a great professional who will continue growing and improving as a player. He will be a key player once he has fully adapated. We all know what an amazing goal-scorer he is. The fact that he will return to Lyon next month is great news. It will be a special match for both of us. Real Madrid may be the favorite because of all their star power and their goal is always to win the Champions League. They will be a tough opponent. This year's final is being played in Madrid, which is why it is important for them to make it to that match and win it."

According to Benzema, "returning home is always great. I was happy to see the results of the draw. I played many matches there and it will be very special. My whole family and all my friends will be there."