THERE’s appears to be no love lost between French strikers Karim Benzema and Olivier Giroud.
Les Bleus won the World Cup in Russia two years ago with then-Arsenal forward Giroud playing a key part, even if he didn’t net during the tournament.
Olivier Giroud wants to earn a new contract at Stamford BridgeCredit: AFP or licensors
But in a live chat on his Instagram, Benzema was less than complimentary about his ex-strike partner.
What did Benzema say about Giroud?
DURING his revealing online chat, Benzema was asked how he rated fellow centre-forward Giroud.
He replied: “This won’t take long. You don’t confuse F1 with go-karting. And I’m being kind. Next… and I know I’m F1.
“It works because he’s there. That’s all. It’s not going to be spectacular, it’s not going to be anything crazy but in his way you see more of Griezmann or Mbappe because he will put the work in.
“Does everyone like that way of playing? I don’t know.”
Benzema doubled down on his scathing assessment later on March 30, stating he was ‘telling the truth’.
He continued: “About Giroud, I simply told the truth.
“But we didn’t remember what I said about him, especially about what he brings to the French national team.
“We just remembered the moment when I said I was F1 and he was karting. That’s what I think, that’s the truth, and that’s how it is.”
Why doesn’t Benzema play for France?
DESPITE his superb form for Madrid over the past few years, Benzema’s international career looks to be over.
The Real ace hasn’t played for France in nearly five years after becoming involved in an alleged blackmail sextape plot involving teammate Mathieu Valbuena.
Giroud was targeted by booing French fans in the aftermath and spoke out after being jeered during the European Championship on home soil.
Speaking to Le Parisien in 2016, he said: “I immediately realised that the people who booed me were not anti-Giroud, but pro-Benzema.
“It could not be otherwise. I came from a great season with Arsenal. It was just disappointing.
“Yes, it annoyed me. I was not even remotely responsible for this story and I did not understand the kind of hatred that developed against me.”
Benzema became embroiled in scandal in late 2015 and hasn’t appeared for Les Bleus sinceCredit: AFP
In November 2019, France Football Federation president Noel le Graet ended any hopes of a recall for the French ace, who is Real Madrid’s sixth all-time leading scorer with 241 goals.
He said: “For me, Benzema is a very good player. I have never criticised his qualities.
“On the contrary, he is proving again this year at Madrid that he is one of the best players in his position.
“But the adventure with France is over.”
Who has the most goals for France?
IN Benzema’s stead, Giroud has emerged as Didier Deschamps’ go-to striker.
The Chelsea striker has earned 97 caps for the world champions, netting 39 times.
His last goal came in a 2-1 win over Moldova back in November 2019.
While Benzema has played 81 times for his country, the last of which came in 2015.
He has netted 27 goals for Les Bleus.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
