Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema was named in France’s provisional Euro 2020 squad by Didier Deschamps on Tuesday, ending a six-year absence from the national team.
Deschamps’ decision came as a shock to the football world, with Benzema being left in the wilderness since 2015 due to his alleged role in a blackmail plot with former international teammate Mathieu Valbuena.
However, the 33-year-old is set to join up with the world champions, linking up Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and co.
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Benzema took to Twitter to express his delight in being back in the squad: “So proud of this return to the France team and of the trust placed in me.
“Thank you to my family, my friends, my club… and to all those who have always supported me and give me strength every day.”
Despite not making an appearance since 2015, the former Lyon captain has made 81 appearances for Les Bleus, netting 27 goals, and was named as this season’s best French player playing abroad by the country’s players’ association earlier this week.
Deschamps, who has the opportunity to be the first person to win the World Cup and Euro’s as both a player and manager said to TF1: “How was it done? We made contact, we fixed an appointment and we saw each other.
“I never said anything bad about him on a human level. From the start, there was a relationship of trust. We are not going to go back over what happened.”
“I needed this chat, he needed this chat. I don’t want to make this a specific case. As national team boss, I have always look beyond my personal case. My responsibility is important, but it is bigger than me.”
French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet is “delighted” with Benzema’s return, stating: “I think it is an excellent decision, given his talent and his remarkable performances in recent months.”
Benzema has not held back in his criticism of Le Graet and Deschamps in the past, stating in November 2019: “If you think I’m done, let me play with one of the other countries I am eligible for and we’ll see.”
The 33-year-old will be competing for the starting spot at the Euro’s with Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud.
Notably, Benzema has targeted Giroud on social media in the past, referring to himself as a Formula One car, and Giroud as a “go-kart”.
However, both players have insisted that there is no feud and French football fans will be hoping that Benzema’s inclusion doesn’t harm any squad harmony.
The post Euro 2020: Benzema back in France squad after six-year exile appeared first on Football365.