Karim Benzema has confirmed he chose Real Madrid over Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United.

United were in advanced talks with Olympique Lyon for the French striker before Real stepped in with a counter proposal.

Benzema, speaking with Canal+, admits when Real made contact there was no choice to make.

"Did I hesitate between Real Madrid and Manchester United? It was between the two, but after that, it looked more like Real Madrid, because it's the most beautiful club," he confirmed.

It was in that year that Real also signed Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Xabi Alonso.