I love, love the way this interview with Karim Benzema starts out! It’s as if I were the interviewer, because I would probably have asked some of those same questions! Although I would have made sure to ask when Karim was going to collaborate with Drenthe and Özil on a song. That, and if he has any furniture yet.
As always, only the “fun” highlights below.
Q: The image of Karim Benzema is associated a lot with those huge headphones that you wear. Did you buy them yourself, or did a rapper friend give them to you as a gift?
A: I bought them in France. I like them a lot, the music comes out really well.
Q: What do you listen to?
A: I like all types of music. It’s an important pastime for me. I like rap, and a lot of other types of musical styles as well.
Q: For example…
A: Like I said, rap, and also reggae. I’m quite open to all types of music.
Q: You like the freestyle rap of your rapper friend Rhoff, no?
A: Yes.
Q: What is freestyle rap?
A: It consists of improvising and singing whatever is in your head, with rhythm.
Q: Would you be able to compose a freestyle rap about a football-related person? I propose Domenech, Mourinho or Higuaín. Who would be your choice to compose the rap about?
A: (Laughs). I would rap about Mourinho, without a doubt.
Q: And what would you say about him?
A: I would rap about what he does on the field, what he tells us and the expressions that he uses.
Q: Do you feel more comfortable with him than you did with Pellegrini?
A: They’re two distinct cases. I speak better Spanish now than when Pellegrini was here. They’re different seasons and different situations.
Q: Do you feel more integrated now?
A: Yes, I feel like I have more support this year.
Q: Casillas said at the beginning of the pre-season that in two days he saw Benzema laugh more than in the entire last season. Tell me the truth, were Iker’s jokes not as good last year?
A: (Laughs). I’m not going to laugh at any thing. But the truth is this year there are more things to laugh about.
Q: With who, why and of what do you laugh about?
A: I laugh a lot with Cristiano and with Kaká. But in general, with everyone. This great atmosphere carries over onto the field. I can’t say that this year there is a better feeling than last year, but I see a more animated group on the field now.
Q: Özil said that if he weren’t a footballer, he’d be a DJ. What would you be if you weren’t playing football?
A: Maybe a rapper (laughs). No, that’s a joke. I would be a MotoGP rider. I like Valentino Rossi a lot.
Q: And of the Spaniards, do you like Jorge Lorenzo?
A: I like Fernando Alonso, the F1 driver, a lot.
Q: Are you still taking Spanish lessons?
A: I’m still taking classes, but I learn more Spanish in the locker room, talking with my teammates.
Q: Are you doing the homework that you are given?
A: I’m reviewing verbs and all those things, but I feel better with my teammates.
Q: Define your character: conformist or non-conformist?
A: I like order. I’m probably more conformist. I don’t like messes and I prefer things to be well-organized.
Q: What is your opinion on the treatment you’ve received from the Spanish press?
A: You all are very tough.
Q: Last year, there were some episodes that disgusted the fans: adaptation problems and two car accidents. Do you promise more stability this year?
A: We’ll see. I would like it if these incidents were separated, and for the fans to understand that anyone could have a car accident. I’m a stable person. What happens is that when you’re not playing well, some people try to relate that to these types of things to explain it. But everything will be different in this new season.
Q: So, you’ve already adapted well to Real Madrid?
A: A year of adaptation passes quickly for any player. That’s what happened to me. Right now, I feel at home when I put on the shirt of Real Madrid. Last year, I felt alone, not myself. That’s the big difference with respect to last year.
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