Karim Benzema has revealed that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez turned up at his house unannounced to beat off competition from Barcelona and Manchester United for his signature in 2009.
After bursting onto the scene with Ligue 1 outfit Lyon, Benzema was wanted by some of European football's biggest clubs 12 years ago.
He had a tough decision to make on his future, but he has explained how a personal visit from Perez helped him make his mind up. The 34-year-old has also stated that Perez told him he would become a world-beater if he moved to Madrid, which has proved to be the case after the Frenchman won his first Ballon d'Or on Monday night.