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Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez admits that he cannot understand why Karim Benzema remains unselected for France more than five years after his alleged blackmail scandal.
The Real Madrid striker was accused of pressuring his teammate Mathieu Valbuena to pay blackmailers who threatened to reveal an intimate video in 2015.
Benzema, who Pérez describes as one of the best players in the world, has not been chosen for the French national team since then, and the Madrid president criticized those responsible for the absence of the forward from Les Bleus.
Pérez told Europe 1: ‘It’s a big mess. Depriving yourself of the presence of one of the best players in the world is a situation that nobody can understand.
‘I would like to highlight their behavior, which has been exemplary. His peers appreciate him very much.
‘Benzema represents values such as professionalism, commitment, humility. I would like to point out that Benzema has never been sent off the field.
‘We are very proud of him. Everything I can say about Karim is positive. That’s why I don’t understand why he doesn’t play for the France team. ‘
When the news broke, Benzema faced an avalanche of criticism and then-Prime Minister Manuel Valls said the former Lyon player “had no place” in the national team. He has not been able to repair relations and return for Les Bleus.
The forward’s last appearance in a major international tournament was at the 2014 World Cup, and Benzema missed his victorious campaign four years later in Russia, as well as the 2016 European Championship.
Before being sent off by his national team, Benzema scored 27 international goals in 81 appearances for France.
Benzema was instrumental in Real Madrid’s title-winning campaign last season and currently has 15 goals in 25 matches in all competitions this season.
Earlier this month, it was revealed that Benzema will stand trial for his alleged involvement in blackmail, and the Real Madrid forward reacted angrily to the news.
The 33-year-old, who will be tried on the charge of conspiracy to try to blackmail, posted on his Instagram story: ‘How long is this charade going to last?’, Upon hearing the latest development.
Benzema’s attorney, Sylvian Cormier, described the decision to take Benzema to trial as “absurd.”
Four other people will also be tried in the case. Benzema denies any wrongdoing.
Source: m.allfootballapp.com
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