Karim Benzema: Barcelona must stay in La Liga

Real Madrid need Barcelona

Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema has said that it is very important for Barcelona to remain in the La Liga even if Catalunya vote for independence in their referendum on 22nd November.

“We need Barcelona in this league. This is what football is like, two big teams – Real Madrid and Barcelona. If they had to go to Ligue 1 it would be a problem – we’re hoping that things will be left as they are.”

Benzema was speaking in a Press conference in France, where he is with his national team squad ahead of friendlies against Portugal and Armenia.

The forward spoke referring to La Liga president Javier Tebas’ claims that Barcelona and Espanyol would have to leave the league if the people of Catalunya vote for independence.

Meanwhile Barcelona’s Argentine star Leo Messi is just three goals short of Athletic Bilbao great Telmo Zarra’s record of most goals in the league’s history.

Benzema was asked who he considered the best in the world amongst teammate Cristiano Ronaldo and rival superstar Messi.

Can’t compare Messi and Ronaldo

“I cannot compare Cristiano with Messi, they don’t have the same style of play. Both of them are great players, they are the best players in the world. In my case, if I want to get near their level – I have to improve my stats and win more titles, both with Real Madrid and individually.”

Cristiano Ronaldo has made a blistering start to the league season scoring 13 goals in 7 games which included 3 hat-tricks.

You can check more repercussions of Barcelona leaving La Liga here.