Eric Abidal has insisted another player, aside from Cristiano Ronaldo, is Real Madrid's most important player and that he would sign him if he was at Barcelona.
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The Frenchman, who left Camp Nou in 2013, was talking about his countryman, Karim Benzema, who has played a key role for Madrid throughout the season with some impressive performances.
"Benzema is the man I'd sign from Madrid if I were at Barca," the retired defender told Gol TV.
"Definitely, because for me he is Madrid's most important player right now.
"If you take Benzema away from Real Madrid then they would continue scoring goals, but not as many as they do with Karim in the team.
"He's a very complete player and other players play well in Madrid when Karim is there.
"So yes, if I have to sign one person it would be him. And not just because he is my friend and my compatriot, but because of his qualities."
The 35-year-old, who made 193 appearances for the Catalan giants, has also insisted that Barcelona will beat Real Madrid in El Clasico on Sunday.
"I think it will finish 3-1 to Barca," he added.
"I think Neymar, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez will each score, though I'd like Javier Mascherano to get a goal for the club.
"Barca are doing much better than at the start of the season, when they struggled a little bit. Now, in 2015, everything's looking impressive and hopefully that continues until the end of the season."
Read: Suarez: El Clasico Is A Final
Do you think Karim Benzema is more important for Real Madrid than Cristiano Ronaldo? Have your say in the comments section below.
