KARIM BENZEMA HAS revealed that he will not be selected by hosts France at Euro 2016 after a meeting between head coach Didier Deschamps and FFF President Noel Le Graet today.
With an investigation into his part in the alleged blackmail attempt of France team-mate Mathieu Valbuena, and after the emergence of claims last week that he was called as a witness as part of a money laundering case, Benzema’s return to the national squad for the Euros was the subject of intense speculation.
The tournament begins in June, with hosts France joint favourites for the title along with world champions Germany.
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Benzema has scored 25 goals in 29 appearances for Real Madrid this season and has 27 goals from 81 caps in a France career he is desperate to resume at the Euros, having not played at international level since last October.
The striker told BeIN Sports: “We will see what the president says. My state of mind is calm and peaceful. I hope that the news will be good.
The France team, as I say all the time, is close to my heart. Playing in a competition at home – any player dreams of doing that.
“Personally I am (committed). I play for the biggest club in the world and I am fighting every day to earn my place.”
Benzema also posted this video to his Facebook page alongside the words:
“No matter what happens… Blue one day … blue always!”
Blow for hosts France as Benzema reveals he will not be picked for Euro 2016
Updated at 17.10
KARIM BENZEMA HAS revealed that he will not be selected by hosts France at Euro 2016 after a meeting between head coach Didier Deschamps and FFF President Noel Le Graet today.
With an investigation into his part in the alleged blackmail attempt of France team-mate Mathieu Valbuena, and after the emergence of claims last week that he was called as a witness as part of a money laundering case, Benzema’s return to the national squad for the Euros was the subject of intense speculation.
The tournament begins in June, with hosts France joint favourites for the title along with world champions Germany.
Benzema has scored 25 goals in 29 appearances for Real Madrid this season and has 27 goals from 81 caps in a France career he is desperate to resume at the Euros, having not played at international level since last October.
The striker told BeIN Sports: “We will see what the president says. My state of mind is calm and peaceful. I hope that the news will be good.
“Personally I am (committed). I play for the biggest club in the world and I am fighting every day to earn my place.”
Benzema also posted this video to his Facebook page alongside the words:
“No matter what happens… Blue one day … blue always!”
https://www.facebook.com/KarimBenzema/videos/1021822404575872/
However, the striker tweeted this evening to confirm that he will play no part at the tournament.
“Unfortunately for me and for all those who have always supported me, I will not be selected for the Euros in France,” he wrote.
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controversies Didier Deschamps Euro 2016 European Championship Football France Host Nation Karim Benzema Real Madrid Scandal