The original Ronaldo is Real striker Benzema's inspiration

Real Madrid's new signing, striker Karim Benzema, said Brazil's World Cup winner Ronaldo will be his inspiration as he looks to fire the goals to help the Spanish giants dethrone Barcelona in La Liga.

"Ronaldo is the greatest player in the world. He is my inspiration and every time I go on the pitch I will try to repeat what he did," the 21-year-old French centreforward said in tribute to the club's former star striker.

But Benzema, bought from French side Lyon, refused to put a number on the goals he hopes to score in his first season with big-spending Real. "I am at a club at the highest level, the competition at Real will be very tough, and I will have to work to make my mark," said Benzema, who will be paid an estimated 6.5 million euros a year.

Benzema, who was also a target for Manchester United, Barcelona, and Inter Milan, added: "Real are a very big team. It's a dream to play here."

The Frenchman will play in a Real Madrid side which also features fellow new boys Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo.