Paris, Oct 14 (IANS): Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas revealed that Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema was given the option to join English football giants Manchester United before moving to the Spanish club five years ago.

"The offer from Real was better than that of Manchester United, but we gave him the opportunity to choose," said Aulas in an interview by local television channel Canal Monday, reports Xinhua.

Benzema moved to Real from Lyon in the summer of 2009 with a transfer fee of 35 million euros after bursting onto the scene with Lyon and helping the Ligue 1 side win four league titles.

The 26-year-old French international signed a contract extension in August with the Spanish club for another five years after scoring 116 goals in 246 outings.

It was Alex Ferguson at that time, who insisted Benzema was the kind of forward that the United needed, but the Frenchman had always wanted to play for Real, according to Aulas.

"He had wanted to play for Real Madrid for a long time and we did not stop him," said the boss. "I'm happy for him that he's doing well in the Spanish capital."

"This is the best striker in La Liga and one of the best in the world," said Aulas. "The criticism he has received are just part of the life of a professional football player."