Real Madrid star Karim Benzema has declared he is “not an actor” on or off the field and has discussed his backing from the club’s supporters and local people.
Madrid’s big money signings over recent years have strongly been accused of playing up to the cameras and caring too much about their appearance and charisma, rather than their affect on the field.
David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo have been the most accused with the latter having caused a bitter row in recent weeks after showcasing a birthday bash on the same day that Madrid lost to rivals Atletico 4-0.
However, Benzema, who has strongly been linked with a move to Liverpool this season, has discussed his desire to concentrate on his performances, rather than his appearance.
“I’m not an actor,” he told Surface Magazine. “I’m not in the game to look good for the cameras. There are others who do that in life but I like to laugh and I get along with everyone.
“When people see me on the street – whether they are old, young, women or children – everyone shows me affection.”
Madrid were heavily criticised after the defeat to Diego Simeone’s side and Benzema has claimed that he takes fan criticism very lightly.
“I will take criticism seriously from those who have played the game at the highest level,” he continued. “But if it comes from someone who has never played the game then I don’t take it seriously.
“All that matters in my position is scoring goals. Up front, if you are lazy then people notice – you have to score goals.”