Striker Benzema extends Lyon stay to 2013

LYON, France -- French international striker Karim Benzema on Thursday extended his long-term contract with six-time French champions Lyon.

The 20-year-old agreed a deal which will keep him with the club until the end of June 2013 with the option of another year. His current deal ran until 2012.

Benzema, who has nine caps for France and has helped Lyon to three of their titles, had already extended his contract by two years last August.

"It's a good contract," said Benzema, without revealing the financial details, adding that he "did not think too much about the money which comes when you give good performances."

He added: "I can't say how many years I'm going to stay -- maybe two or three. In my head I want to continue learning at Lyon where everyone has confidence in me, continue to progress and not to exile myself abroad.

"There are still a lot of things to do here, titles to win, notably the French Cup and league double this season," he said, adding that he would eventually like to win the Champions League with the club.

Club president Jean-Michel Aulas added: "We did what we thought we should so that Karim need not be embarrassed by comparisons with what happens abroad.

"We did the best we could, he fully deserves it. It's necessary that he not only feels good at Lyon but that he can find the financial framework to fit his immense talent."

He has scored 17 goals in 28 league games and is currently the top scorer in the French top flight.

Benzema's performances have captured the attention of UEFA president Michel Platini who said: "He scores more with his intelligence than his physical qualities and I like that.

"People compare him to Ronaldo, I'd say he is more an old style centre-forward. He's Lyon's best player and came through the club's training program -- that should give many people something to think about." E-mail to a friend