A crunch meeting between French national team manager Didier Deschamps and the president of the French Federation, Noel Le Graet, has yielded the decision to omit striker Karim Benzema from selection for the French squad at Euro 2016.
The tournament, which is to be hosted in France this summer, has long been a subject of speculation with regards to the Real Madrid player's presence. Benzema was suspended from the national side back in December while a formal investigation unfolded following his alleged attempt to blackmail fellow national team member Mathieu Valbuena.
Benzema announced that he had been informed of the decision through his official Twitter account:
Malheureusement pour moi et pour tous ceux qui m'ont toujours soutenu et supporté. Je ne serai pas sélectionné pour notre Euro en France...
— Karim Benzema (@Benzema) April 13, 2016
Roughly translated, the statement reads: “Unfortunately for me and for all those who have always supported me, I will not be selected for the Euros in France…”
Benzema’s legal troubles have not affected his club form this season, the Frenchman is enjoying his finest season to date having scored 25 goals in 28 appearances for Real. He retained belief and a desire to be selected by France for this summer's tournament, claiming "the France team means a lot to me, especially a Euros at home."
Photo: @hairydel | Twitter
His form, coupled with his international experience (this would’ve been his third European finals tournament), makes Benzema’s omission something of a blow to France’s chances this summer.
However, the presence of other striking options in the forms of Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud and Andre-Pierre Gignac make Les Bleus a formidable attacking side irregardless.
A recent poll by Odoxa/L’Equipe showed that 73 percent of the French public were against Benzema’s return to the national team. Benzema has also faced opposition from France’s prime minister and sports minister regarding his possible recall.
