Benzema: I never gave up on the Ballon d'Or

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"This prize in front of me makes me really proud," Benzema said at the ceremony, per The Athletic. 

"When I was small it was a childhood dream, I never gave up – anything is possible. 

"There was a difficult period when I wasn't in the French team but I never gave up. 

"I'm really proud of my journey here. 

"It wasn't easy, it was a difficult time for my family as well." 

Read: 2022 Ballon d'Or winner revealed!

After the ceremony, Benzema also revealed his intention to end his playing career at Los Blancos, telling Onda Cero: "I will retire in Real Madrid. There's no other option for me."

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