Karim Benzema says he is now a leader without Cristiano RonaldoKarim Benzema says he is enjoying life at Real Madrid without Cristiano Ronaldo, as he can play his "true football" rather than continually serve the five-time Ballon d'Or winner. Ronaldo spent nine years at Real and became a talismanic figure at the Santiago Bernabeu, leaving for Juventus in the summer as the club's all-time leading scorer with 450 goals in 438 games. Benzema and Ronaldo won a record three consecutive Champions League titlesHowever, in his first season at Real without Ronaldo, and with no marquee replacement signed in the summer, Benzema has stepped up in front of goal, scoring 20 times in his 40 appearances. I am very happy because I can play my true football." Because Lyon, in comparison with Madrid, is small, the institution, administration, everything which goes around the club.

Source: Sky sports February 25, 2019 16:52 UTC