Karim Benzema tells FFF president to leave him alone after claims his international career is over
Real Madrid striker was forced to watch his country lift the World Cup from his sofa as life as three-year exile from international scene continues
KARIM BENZEMA has hit back at the French Football Federation president after being told his international career is finished.
The Real Madrid striker was last called up to Les Bleus in October 2015 and was forced to watch from his own sofa as his country were crowned world champions this summer.
President Noel Le Graet revealed in a recent interview: "I have nothing against Karim, he has always behaved well when with the team.
"However, I think that it is over with Les Bleus for him - particularly since he has been declining in form for some time."
But Benzema, 30, did not stay silent and told Le Graet to "leave me alone".
He fired back on Twitter: "Mr. Le Graet, I ask that you forget me and please leave me alone.
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"France are world champions and that is the essential, the rest is futile. Thank you." #LeGraet #ThatIsEnough #GiveMeABreak
Benzema's relationship with the FFF has been under strain following a blackmail case involving former team-mate Mathieu Valbuena.
He was formally investigation in 2015 after reportedly being one of six men threatening to expose a sex tape allegedly involving Valbuena.
Benzema, who has scored four goals in eight league starts this season, was recently nominated for the Ballon d'Or.
It left Brighton striker Glenn Murray shrugging his shoulders after he jokingly compared the duo's scoring record on Twitter.
The veteran forward bagged 14 in 27 in the Premier League compared to Benzema's 12 in 38 appearances.