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Benzema expulsion from France deemed a ‘huge waste’

Karim Benzema - Real Madrid
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The Real Madrid president can’t quite get his head around why “one of the best players in the world” does not play for his national team.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has hit out at those responsible for Karim Benzema’s omission from the France national team.

Benzema played no part in Les Bleus’ World Cup triumph in 2018 while he was also left out of the team for the European Championship in 2016.

The striker last made an appearance at the international stage way back in 2014. He was banished from the squad thereafter after accusations that he had black-mailed teammate Mathieu Valbuena over a sex tape in 2015. 

“It’s a huge waste,” Perez told Europe 1. “To deprive yourself of the presence of one of the best players in the world is a situation that no one can understand.

“I would like to highlight his behavior, which has been exemplary. He is appreciated greatly by his teammates.

“Benzema represents values ​​such as professionalism, commitment, humility. I would like to point out that Benzema has never been sent off from the pitch.

“We are very proud of him. All I can say about Karim is positive. That’s why I don’t understand why he does not play in the France team.”

Benzema scored 27 goals in 81 appearances with France before his banishment from the team. 

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