Real Madrid’s, Karim Benzema was on Monday night announced as the winner of this year’s Ballon d’Or award.
After winning the prize for the first time, the Frenchman admitted that his career had not always been easy.
Benzema also became the oldest player to win the Ballon d’Or, at the age of 34.
“I always had this dream in my mind that everything’s possible.
“There was a difficult period where I wasn’t in the French team but I worked hard and never gave up, kept my head down and enjoyed playing football.
“People play until their later years now and I still have this burning desire.
“It is this drive that has kept me going and never allowed me to let up. I just want to make the most of it,” Benzema said.
Benzema netted 44 times in 46 appearances as Los Blancos lifted both the LaLiga title and Champions League trophy.