REAL Madrid star Karim Benzema has declared he is “not an actor” on or off the field and believes his grounded attitude has made him popular with supporters and the general public.
The likes of David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo have been accused in the past as caring too much about their image as football has evolved into a more money-spinning sport over the past two decades.
The France international, however, says crafting a persona for his efforts on the pitch does not interest him and he just wants to be himself, which he believes is doing wonders for his popularity.
“I’m not an actor,” he told Surface Magazine. “I’m not in the game to look good for the cameras. There are others who do that in life but I like to laugh and I get along with everyone.
“When people see me on the street – whether they are old, young, women or children – everyone shows me affection.”
Real Madrid were criticised from all quarters for the way they crumbled to a landslide 4-0 defeat at Atletico Madrid at the weekend.
Although the 27-year-old admitted the European champions’ performance was “a disaster”, Benzema takes disapproval which stems from fans or the media with a huge pinch of salt.