Rafa backing after French PM takes swipe at Benzema
Print Edition
Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez has restated his support for French striker Karim Benzema amid increasing criticism of Benzema’s off-field behavior in his homeland.
Benzema has been charged in France for his alleged participation in a blackmail case involving international teammate Mathieu Valbuena over a sex tape.
French Prime Minister Manuel Valls added his voice to the debate yesterday by claiming sportsmen who don’t behave in an “exemplary” manner shouldn’t play for the national team.
However, Real has vowed it will stand by Benzema and Benitez insisted the 27-year-old remains a key player despite not starting either of Real’s last two outings.
“I consider him a fundamental player for us. On a personal level I have said before that he is a great guy and he has our support,” Benitez said yesterday, on the eve of Real’s Copa del Rey opener away to minnow Cadiz today.
“He is a key player for us because he is a reference up front and makes those around him play even better.”
Benzema started Real’s humiliating 0-4 defeat at home to Barcelona 10 days ago after a six-week absence due to a hamstring injury, but was only introduced as a late substitute in wins away at Shakhtar Donetsk and Eibar last week.
Benzema is one of France’s key players as it gets ready to host the Euro 2016 tournament, but the forward faces charges of conspiracy to blackmail relating to an extortion scam over the sex tape. He is suspected of having played an active role in pressuring Valbuena, a case that has badly damaged his reputation.
“A great athlete should be exemplary,” Prime Minister Valls told French radio Europe 1. “If he is not, he has no place within the France team.”
The investigation, centering on wiretap evidence, started when Valbuena took legal action after being contacted by a man claiming to possess an incriminating sex tape.
In a case that could drag on for months, Benzema’s involvement has not yet been fully determined. But investigators who charged him in October believe he was approached by a childhood friend to act as an intermediary and convince Valbuena to deal directly with the blackmailers.
“If a minister was handed preliminary charges, he would no longer be part of the government,” Valls said.
Benzema denies any wrongdoing but his arguments were undermined last week when Valbuena spoke directly about his attempts to pressure him in an interview with Le Monde.
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