Here's a little secret: Benzema actually rehearsed his "improvised" speech in the dressing room in front of the mirror, with his brother Gressy correcting him. A laudable effort given that Karim barely knows any Spanish and a clear sign of how excited he was about the presentation that was to follow.

His brother mas very excited too. He had been with him throughout the day, but this was clearly the most special moment; being in the same place where Zidane and Ronaldo used to change. "Where did Zizou get dressed," asked Gressy with respect, as if paying tribute to his idol.

Karim asked which had been Ronaldo's locker and reminded us that he asked Florentino Perez for a signed shirt when he had been here last with Olympique Lyonnais. He got the shirt two days later and told us "it is one of the greatest treasures I have at home." He then looked around at his new team-mates' lockers as he praised them all.

Benzema greeted several people and had many pictures taken after he put on his new kit. This was followed by the aforementioned mini-rehearsal of the speech he was about to give.