Coach of Spanish giants, Real Madrid, Zinedine Zidane, has defended France international, Karim Benzema after the striker’s conduct was once again criticised in his homeland by French president Francois Hollande.
Benzema has not featured for the Les Blues since August 2015 after being caught up in a sex-tape blackmail scandal involving former international teammate Mathieu Valbuena.
Hollande claimed in a book published last week that, “morally, Benzema is not an example.”
Zidane reacted on Monday in a pre-Champions League press conference, “In your work, you can criticise, but you can’t say strange things and it is normal it bothers the player.
“Yes, it is annoying, we have to see exactly what he said, but yes it annoys me.”
However, the striker’s temporary suspension from playing for France has been lifted, according to French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet.
But France coach, Didier Deschamps has not called up Benzema in his two squads since the Euros, insisting the time is not right for a recall.
Zidane added, “When they took the decision that he is available again then it is problem to hear what he [Hollande] said.”
“I don’t share the views of many, but I can’t change that.”
Comments