With Didier Deschamps recently dismissing questions about Karim Benzema's potential return to the France squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup final, the reigning Ballon d'Or has reportedly reacted to the head coach's comments.
Football Club Owner Promises Players 'Sex Workers' In Christmas Party Speech
According to Relevo, the 34-year-old does not intend to fly to Qatar to try and compete in football's biggest match, despite recent suggestions that he could.
Benzema withdrew from the national team squad mere days before the two-time champions' World Cup campaign was set to commence after picking up a thigh injury.
Despite the injury, Benzema was never replaced in the France squad and, as a result, is still eligible to play a part in Sunday's final.
However, the same report suggests that Benzema acknowledges the impracticality of returning to Les Bleus' camp days before the final, and will stay in Madrid.
The 2022 Ballon d'Or winner had received permission from Real Madrid to travel to receive his medal, but the Lyon native reportedly wants to remain in the Spanish capital.
While he understands not being reintegrated into the squad this deep into the competition, however, the marksman was reportedly left hurt by Deschamps' comments on the matter.
When the 54-year-old was questioned about Benzema's availability for the final matches of the competition recent, the former Juventus coach was dismissive of the notion, saying: "I don't really want to answer that question. Next question. I do apologise."
The former France midfielder was quick to dismiss questions regarding Benzema and all of those who had to drop out of the squad due to injury, claiming he was not concerned about those he was not dealing with on a daily basis.
Barca Set To Sign Man City Star Duo?
This is not the first time Benzema and Deschamps have not seen eye to eye after the forward was exiled from the national team for close to six years following a blackmail scandal that rocked French football.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
WATCH VIDEO:
