KARIM BENZEMA could REVERSE his international retirement if Zinedine Zidane becomes France boss, reports claim.
The striker announced on Monday his time with the national team was “ending”.
Real Madrid ace Benzema, 35, missed the World Cup after being ruled out with a thigh injury on the eve of the tournament.
There were rumours of Benzema rejoining the squad for the final, until he appeared to brutally rule himself out with a social media post.
France were beaten by Argentina on penalties in the final, casting doubt on Didier Deschamps’ future as boss.
And French outlet Foot Mercato say Benzema could change his mind on retirement if Deschamps is replaced by Zidane.
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Deschamps, 54, will reportedly meet with French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet in January to decide his future.
The former midfielder has been national team gaffer for the last decade, and his contract expires on December 31st.
Le Graet and French president Emmanuel Macron are both claimed to want Deschamps to stay on as boss.
While a decision is yet to be made, Deschamps will want a contract that runs up until the end of the next World Cup in 2026 if he stays on, according to L’Equipe.
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But, if he does leave, Zidane has been linked with the role in previous months.
The 50-year-old has been out of work since leaving Real Madrid last year.
Zidane and Benzema enjoyed huge success working together at the Bernabeu, winning three Champions League titles.
And it’s thought Zidane could lure Benzema out of international retirement, if he were to take over from Deschamps.
Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos said, as per Diario AS: “I definitely think Zizou would not only be a good successor but the best possible successor.
“The big question is: what does Didier Deschamps want? I’d say there’s a 70/30 chance for Zizou to become France’s new coach.
“I think he really wants to get back onto the training field.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
