Karim Benzema admits ‘changing his game’ for better after Cristiano Ronaldo exit

LETHAL: Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema is revelling in his return to prominence since Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure. Pic: Nick Potts/PA

Karim Benzema has admitted Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from Real Madrid helped him return to his lethal best.

The 34-year-old France striker plundered 44 goals for the club last season as Real won the Champions League for the 14th time and romped to the LaLiga title by 13 points in perhaps his most effective season to date as he revelled in the key role handed to him by Carlo Ancelotti.