French star and Real Madrid striker, Karim Benzema, has revealed that he did not receive congratulations from his former colleague, Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United striker, after winning the Ballon d'Or last October. In an interview with the French "Telefoot" network, Benzema said: "I have not received a congratulatory message from Ronaldo after winning the Ballon d'Or until now." He added, "I didn't want to leave football before I won the Ballon d'Or, winning the award is exceptional, in front of my family, in front of my friends. It will always be engraved in my head, plus it was Zizou who gave it to me."
On his fitness status prior to the World Cup, Real Madrid forward said: "My fitness status is good. I felt some pain, but then it became normal with the number of games there, I took care of myself, and I will be fit and ready to play, with no problems. I will focus well on what I am asked to do." He continued: "We love to play football; everyone loves to play non-stop football. The problem is that we are not machines. You always have to be 100% ready and play every three days every time there are injuries, this is mandatory."