Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema calls time on his France career
Benzema says his story is now over with the national team
Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has announced on social media that retire from international football after missing the World Cup with France through injury.
"I put in the effort and made the necessary mistakes to take me where I am today and I'm proud of it!" he said.
"I wrote my own story and ours comes to an end," he added in reference to his relationship with the France national team after Les Bleus lost to Argentina in Sunday's final.
Benzema was unable to play at the World Cup due to an injury. He felt acute muscle pain in his left quadriceps while he was with the team in Qatar pre-tournament and decided to leave his place to another player who was in better condition, although coach Didier Deschamps did not call anyone else up. In addition, Benzema had some discomfort in a different area during the last month with Real Madrid.
Karim did not attend the World Cup final either. He had the opportunity to support his teammates as Real Madrid gave him permission and he was still registered with France, but he decided not to attend the big event. It may be that he did not like the response of his coach, either. Deschamps, when asked if Benzema was going to be at the final, did not want to answer, leading to suggestions that there was a problem between the two.
"We have had injuries, including Karim, but also Lucas Hernandez," he said. "Since they left (the squad), I kept 24 players and I am focused on those players. Asking the question is, at least, awkward for them."
Deschamps also affirmed that he does not take care of "the invitations for injured players or former players. Some will be there and others will not, I don't know."
J’ai fait les efforts et les erreurs qu’il fallait pour être là où je suis aujourd’hui et j’en suis fier !
— Karim Benzema (@Benzema) December 19, 2022
J’ai écrit mon histoire et la nôtre prend fin. #Nueve pic.twitter.com/7LYEzbpHEs
One day after France's defeat against Argentina in the World Cup final on penalties, in addition to also celebrating his 35th birthday, Benzema has now announced that he is ending his time with 'Les Bleus'. Benzema has played 97 games for his country, scoring 37 goals and winning the 2021 Nations League.
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