Karim Benzema revealed he rejected advances from the likes of Champions League finalists Barcelona and Manchester United before opting for his “dream” move to Real Madrid.

Benzema established himself as one of Europe’s hottest properties during his time at Lyon, for whom he scored 54 competitive goals in the last two seasons, and he was regularly linked with some of the continent’s biggest clubs before Madrid has a 35million euros bid accepted for him last week.

When asked what other teams were keen on him, Benzema said: “There were quite a few clubs that contacted me like Manchester (United), Inter Milan and Barcelona, but I decided to come here.”

He added: “Real Madrid are an excellent club. I’ve dreamt about playing here since I was 15 years old.

“It was very exciting. Real Madrid fans have a special relationship with the players and I am very grateful for that,” he said.

“I felt some strong emotions today and that’s why I kissed the badge.”

Never before young player can come to Real Madrid and become World Player of the Year. I never heard it before no matter how high the expert rated you as a player. Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo, Figo came to Real as World Player of Year but how many of them received the award as Real Madrid player? Only Zidane can do it because he is a truly exceptional player. Look at what happen to Ronaldo after he signed with Real Madrid…he is going down. How about Beckham?? Same fate huh?? Others like Nicholas Anelka, Micheal Owen and Steve McManaman..turned down from one of the best in the world into benchwarmers!! Hahahaha..( Thanks to Real…we got Owen for FREE ).

OK…OK….how about Rafael Van der Vaart?? Klass Hunterlaar ??? Wesley Sneijder??..nobody cared about them anymore huh?? Still young but already not needed by Real Madrid…

Do you think Karim Benzema can make it at Real Madrid?? EEmmm….hard to say..but I don’t think so..

He turned down United for Real but then…Real can turned him down too..