Karim Benzema’s suspension from French duty is a ‘big waste’, says Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, with the striker who has not played for his country since 2015 after insisting that he is involved in Mathieu Valbuena ‘s sex tape blackout
- Florentino Perez says Karim Benzema’s scandal with the French team is a ‘lie’
- Benzema has not played for France in six years due to the 2015 blackout incident
- The striker was accused of harassing Mathieu Valbuena over a sex tape video
- The 33-year-old will be taken to court on charges of conspiracy to commit fraud
- Real Madrid boss Perez described Benzema as one of the world’s top strikers
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez admits he cannot understand why Karim Benzema is still not selected for France more than five years after the alleged black-and-white scandal.
The Real Madrid striker has been accused of pressuring international teammate Mathieu Valbuena to pay black salesmen who threatened to release a close-up video in 2015.
Benzema, whom Perez describes as one of the top players in the world, has not been selected for the French national team since then, with the president of Madrid defeating those responsible for the absence of the striker from Les Bleus.
Florentino Perez (L) does not understand why Karim Benzema (R) is still driven by France
Benzema (right) suspects he pressured Mathieu Valbuena (left) to pay black retailers so they don’t issue sex tape including the latter
Perez told Europe 1: ‘It’s a big lie. To deprive yourself of the presence of one of the best players in the world is a situation that no one can comprehend.
‘I would like to emphasize his behavior, which has been special. His teammates love the team.
Benzema represents values such as professionalism, commitment, humility. I would like to point out that Benzema was never sent off.
‘We’re very proud of him. I can’t say about Karim positive. That’s why I don’t understand why he doesn’t play in the French team. ‘
Benzema is scoring for Real Madrid but has been banned from playing for France due to the scandal.
When the story broke, Benzema opposed full criticism and then Prime Minister Manuel Valls said the former Lyon player had ‘no place’ in the national team.
He failed to repair a friendship and returned for Les Bleus.
The striker’s final appearance came at a major international tournament in the 2014 World Cup, with Benzema missing their winning campaign four years later in Russia as well as the 2016 European Championship.
Prior to being eliminated by his national team, Benzema scored 27 international goals in 81 goals with France.
Benzema, who has not played for France since 2015, will be charged with conspiracy to commit fraud
Benzema would complain ‘how long does this farce last? when revealed he will stand trial
Benzema was heavily involved in Real Madrid’s campaign that won the title last term and currently has 15 goals in 25 matches in all competitions this season.
Earlier this month, it was announced that Benzema will go on trial for involvement in the blackmail, with the Real Madrid striker reacting angrily to the news.
The 33-year-old, who stands accused of conspiracy to attempt blackmail, posted on his Instagram story: ‘how long does this farce last?’, When he hears the latest development.
Benzema’s lawyer Sylvian Cormier described the decision to force Benzema to go to court as ‘absurd’.
Four others will also be tried in the case. Benzema denies wrongdoing.
