Karim Benzema has played down reports suggesting he and Wayne Rooney could swap clubs in January.
French forward plays down exit rumours
Karim Benzema has played down reports suggesting he and Wayne Rooney could swap clubs in January.
In the wake of Wayne Rooney's announcement that he intends to leave Manchester United, transfer gossip has gone into overdrive.
The England striker has been strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid, with the Spanish giants never afraid to splash the cash in order to land top talent.
It has also been suggested that were Rooney to move to Santiago Bernabeu, that France international Benzema could move in the opposite direction.
The former Lyon man insists he has no plans to leave Madrid any time soon, though, and is paying little attention to the mounting speculation.
"It's only normal that players are linked to Real Madrid. This is a great team," Benzema told
Punto Pelota.
"Rooney and (Athletic Bilbao's Fernando) Llorente are very good, but my job is to work hard and play more.
Integrated
"(Sir Alex) Ferguson is a fantastic coach, but I play for Real Madrid.
"I feel more integrated now. My Spanish is better and I understand almost everything. I love Madrid."
Benzema has struggled to hold down a regular role at Real this term, with coach Jose Mourinho openly criticising his attitude earlier in the season.
The 22-year-old is convinced he can become an important part of the side, though, and insists he is working harder than ever to force his way back in.
"I am working hard to earn more playing time," he said.
"Once I play people will see what I am capable of. I am sure I will succeed with Real Madrid. I don't have a single doubt.
"I have the mindset to play here. If I have to defend and run, I will. That is fine. I will work harder to play more and to prove to everyone that I am a good forward that can score a lot of goals and play pretty football."
