Karim Benzema blames sex tape scandal for France omission and says he has ‘no chance’ playing again with Didier Deschamps in charge
Real Madrid striker could be right: Deschamps has suggested Benzema would risk 'harmony' of team
KARIM BENZEMA is convinced is international career is on hold as long as Didier Deschamps manages France.
Benzema, 29, believes his two-year exile is down to his alleged role in blackmailing international teammate Mathieu Valbuena over a sex tape.
The Real Madrid striker was arrested as part of the investigation into the scandal.
Deschamps suggested in May that bringing Benzema in would put the "harmony" of the team at risk.
But Benzema insists he shouldn't be victimised on the basis of a non-football matter.
"It could be that, of course, there were stories before with the sex-tape affair and that could be it," he told
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"But, personally, I think what is external to football you have to leave out. It's best to win titles.
"Everybody has gotten involved and we have forgotten football. It has been two years since I've played.
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"I don't have any problem with the coach, but as long as he's here, I don't think I'll have a chance.
"We forgot the athlete and what I can bring in. Public opinion has been able to weigh in.
"But we do not need that to win titles; it is possible that Deschamps has been put under pressure."
Former Lyon star Benzema does not expect to be part of the squad for the 2018 World Cup.
He said: "It's complicated for me to be at the World Cup, don't be silly, of course I want to, I'm a football lover, and I like that pressure.
"I have no problems with any player in the France team, there are some that I come across and it's always good to see them, I'm not a disrupter, I have a public image that isn't good.
"I do not see myself as a substitute in football, I'm not going there to be on the bench, but if I don't deserve to be a starter and there's a better person than me, it's no problem."
Benzema remains hurt by Deschamps distancing him. He added: "It's not a matter of calling or not calling.
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"I got him on the phone before the Euros and there was no explanation from him.
"He's someone I respect, but he showed me a lot of respect before and then turned his back on me. It's hurtful."
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