New Real Madrid signing Karim Benzema has admitted one regret over his switch from Lyon. "I am happy to join the world's biggest club. And sad to leave Lyon, my friends and all my teammates," said Benzema. "I owe everything to Lyon.

"But to go to Madrid is something I've always wanted. I would have liked to have played with Ronaldo (now of Corinthians), the other, 'R9'.

"I'm not frightened of losing my World Cup place. I believe I will continue my development going to Madrid. It will prepare me even more for the challenges ahead.

"I am confident and know what I am capable of. If not, I would have stayed in Lyon."

Asked about the influence of Zinedine Zidane, Benzema revealed: "I haven't spoken to him. I only spoke to him once last year, for ten minutes, and it wasn't about Real Madrid."

Benzema also was sharp in his response to questions about whether he could establish himself at Real.

"Why would it be difficult? I'm going to play with Cristiano (Ronaldo) and Kaka in a team where everyone is going to make chances. They will put good balls into the area.

"Why can't I play in all the games? I'm going to impose my game as quickly as possible."