“Not available,” Karim Benzema rejects invitation to FFA tribute gala amidst squabble with Didier Deschamps
Karim Benzema rejects France's invitation disclosing unavailability amidst feud with Didier Deschamps
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According to reports, Karim Benzema declined an invitation for a tribute to recently retired footballers by the France Football Federation by email, explaining that he was not available.
Ahead of tonight’s Euro 2024 qualifying campaign opener against The Netherlands, a group of French national team icons who recently retired will be honored in a ceremony at the Stade de France. These include long-time captain and record appearance maker Hugo Lloris, former vice-captain Raphael Varane, and another two 2018 World Cup winners in Steve Mandanda and Blaise Matuidi.
One notable absentee is Karim Benzema who, despite not being a part of the World Cup winning team five years ago, remains the fifth all-time top scorer on 37 goals, and with nearly a century of caps and a Nations League win to his name. The decision comes in the wake of his feud with Didier Deschamps over their contrasting accounts of Benzema’s departure from the World Cup squad due to injury, on the eve of the opening match.
Benzema never had a great experience for France, after participating in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, he was selected after 6 years for the Euro 2020 tournament after being expelled from the national team in 2015 following an alleged controversy and has not featured since. However, he did win a medal for France in the Nations League.
Related news: “The audacity of this clown,” Karim Benzema slams Didier Deschamps for French World Cup Squad exit claims
A look at Karim Benzema’s career so far
Throughout his career, Benzema has been known for his impressive goalscoring abilities, technical skills, ability to drop deeper and link with midfielders, and physicality. He is an excellent dribbler and is capable of creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Benzema began his professional career with Lyon, where he quickly established himself as one of the most promising young talents in French football. He helped Lyon win the Ligue 1 title four times in a row and was named the Ligue 1 Player of the Year. The Frenchman moved to Real Madrid in a deal worth around €35 million, where he has since become one of the most successful and iconic players in the club’s history.
Benzema has won numerous domestic and international titles with Real Madrid, including five UEFA Champions League titles and four La Liga titles. He is currently the second-highest goal scorer in the history of Real Madrid, with 342 goals, only behind Cristiano Ronaldo. He also has the most assists in the club’s history with 164 to his name. His notable individual award includes the Ballon d’Or which he won last season after his impressive performances as the top scorer of both La Liga and the Champions League along with winning them.
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Arpan Ghosh
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