Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema has insisted that he is ignoring the criticism of his performances this season.

The Frenchman has only registered nine goals in 38 appearances for the Spanish champions this term, with just five of those coming in the league.

The 30-year-old has managed 11 assists in all competitions, however, and was defended by Los Blancos boss Zinedine Zidane following Sunday's 2-1 win over Malaga.

"The best players are constantly criticised because that is what sells newspapers," Benzema told Marca. "When I do not play well, I know I did not have a good game so I have no need to read more about it in the press.

"When my name is in the papers it does not impact me, I do not care about it because it does not mean anything because I know I always try my best to win every game."

Benzema has a contract at the Bernabeu until the end of the 2020-21 season.