Karim Benzema says he is not an actor on the football field and what you see is what you get.
The Frenchman has sometimes been criticised for being lazy or disinterested, but the forward says all he is interested in is working hard and being himself.
He also said in an interview with Surface Magazine that he’s not interested in creating a persona so he can take advantage of the sponsorship deals and money on offer away from the game. The likes of David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo have been hugely successful at creating their own brands and making millions away from the pitch.
“I’m not an actor. 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,” he said.
He also went on to discuss the 4-0 derby defeat last weekend and took responsibility for his part in the disaster. He said, though, that he only listens to criticism from those who have played the game at the highest level.
“I will take criticism seriously from those who have played the game at the highest level. 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.”
