Football
ESPN staff 7y

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo not a selfish player - Karim Benzema

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo is not a selfish player despite his numerous attempts at goal during games, says teammate Karim Benzema.

Ronaldo scored twice in Real's 4-1 thrashing of Juventus in the UEFA Champions League final on Saturday, helping Los Blancos to their second consecutive title and third over the past fours seasons.

The four-time Ballon d'Or winner again finished atop the Champions League scoring charts in the campaign, having netted 10 times from the quarterfinal stage on. And though critics accuse him of gunning for personal glory too much at times, Benzema said the Portuguese is just as quick to make a key pass.

"I have no words. When I hear his name, I just have a gesture of admiration," Benzema told AS.

"He's an extraordinary person. We understand each other well on the pitch. He wants to have the ball but it's very difficult to get it when he runs with it.

"He's not selfish on the pitch but if he has the ball he always wants to go for goal. And suddenly, he'll set me up to score."

Ronaldo scored the opener in the UCL victory in Cardiff before Mario Mandzukic's fantastic overhead volley evened the score. Casemiro gave Real the lead after the break before Ronaldo and Marco Asensio finished off the Italian champions.

Asensio, 21, enjoyed a breakout season at the Bernabeu, despite only starting 11 games. And he expressed his desire to stay on Thursday, despite being linked to other clubs. 

"My intention is to stay at Real Madrid and to earn a lot of minutes," Asensio told reporters at a Spain press conference on Thursday. "My goal is to be a starter at Real Madrid.

"There were moments when I didn't play, but I wanted to make the most of any chances the coach afforded me and I finished up in good form.

"I wasn't used to not playing. Yet I worked hard to make the most of the opportunities I got and I was able to finish the season well."

In addition to Asensio, Alvaro Morata and James Rodriguez have been rumoured to leave Zinedine Zidane's club this summer. 

Asensio, however, hopes they will stay.

"This is something for them and the club," Asensio added. "I hope that they both remain as they're great players and have helped me a lot throughout the season.

"With the national team I want to nail down my place in the squad and with Real Madrid I will try to get more minutes, more important minutes, and continue winning titles."

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