Benzema: I will stay here next year
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Karim Benzema has finally made the decision to stay at Lyon next summer whatever happens.
The French goal machine has been linked to the very best clubs in the world, with Manchester United and Real Madrid believed to be massive admirers of the striker.
France international Benzema recently declared that he would make an announcement regarding his future after the Champions League tie with Barcelona, and he has made good on his promise.
The 21-year-old has said that he will be an OL player next year, even if the seven-time champions fail to claim an eighth consecutive national title.
Benzema told reporters before training: “I am going to stay at Lyon next season - even if Lyon don’t win the league this term.
“I still have plenty of things to learn and stages to reach. I feel great at Lyon and the club play Champions League football year in, year out.
“I did declare that I would make up my mind after the games with Barcelona, but I shouldn’t have said so - I said it without thinking.
“Honestly, I have always wanted to stay at Lyon, even if some bad results made me doubt a little.”
He added: “It’s not that I don’t feel ready (to join a bigger club). I must improve mentally – I’m only 21, playing my second season as a starter for Lyon so I still have plenty of time to join another club.
“I didn’t ask the club for any guarantees, but I’d be glad if they signed Ronaldinho (laughs).”