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Karim Benzema ‘REJECTS French President Emmanuel Macron’s offer to take his private jet to World Cup final’, with relationship with boss Didier Deschamps ROTA after he had to be sent home
Karim Benzema has reportedly turned down the chance to attend France’s World Cup final in Qatar as his bitter dispute with Didier Deschamps over his injury continues to escalate.
The Ballon d’Or winner has controversially missed the tournament through injury and was expected to be a huge loss for the reigning champions, but they have dealt well with his absence and will play their second successive final against Argentina.
According to RMC SportHowever, Benzema has turned down an offer from French President Emmanuel Macron to accompany him on his presidential plane to Qatar to attend the match and support his team.
Karim Benzema has turned down the possibility of attending the World Cup final in support of France
French President Emmanuel Macron offered to fly the star to the final on his private jet.
Benzema, the Real Madrid striker, was ruled out of the tournament before it started after picking up a thigh injury in his first training session in Doha.
Spanish publication digital freedom claimed earlier this week that Benzema was unhappy with the treatment of Deschamps, who reportedly sent the striker home despite his injury requiring only minor treatment.
According to reports, Benzema only needed three days of treatment at Real Madrid’s training facility before going on holiday and he has already recovered.
It is said that he wanted to stay with the French team for treatment, but was expelled from the camp.
L’Equipe claimed on Sunday that Benzema has not had contact with the French team since he left Qatar. They also claim that his relationship with Deschamps, which was already far from harmonious, is now completely ‘broken’.
Recent reports suggested that the 35-year-old could make a dramatic return to the squad for the match against Argentina, which the player himself has ruled out, insisting he “doesn’t care”.
Deschamps rejected questions about Benzema in the preview of the final against Argentina
Deschamps seemed upset on Saturday when asked if Benzema could play in the final for Argentina.
She closed her eyes and puffed out her cheeks before saying, “I really don’t want to answer that question,” letting out a smile as she quickly said, “Next question.”
But when the France boss was asked if Benzema would play or even watch in Qatar, Deschamps responded, saying: ‘Are you spreading the word to foreign journalists? If I don’t answer, you’ll say I’m pissed off.
Paul Pogba has traveled to Qatar for the final, posing for photos with ITV’s Laura Woods.
‘I have players who have been injured before. Karim is one of them. The last to be injured is Lucas Hernández.
‘Since then, I have 24 players to manage and you know them. Posing the question in front of these players, if I may say so, is at least clumsy, if not more so.
The group is there. I do not attend the invitations of players, ex-players or injured. I don’t know who will be there.
Rumors circulated about a return because Benzema is still a registered member of the team and would be world champion if France retains its 2018 trophy.
Olivier Giroud has impressed in Benzema’s absence, becoming his country’s all-time top scorer at the tournament.
But Benzema won’t even be at the game in a spectator capacity, putting his future international career in doubt after missing out on five and a half years of playing international soccer.
Injured players Christopher Nkunku, Paul Pogba, Presnel Kimpembe and N’Golo Kante will be present in Qatar.
The former Manchester United star was seen in pictures posted to Instagram with ITV presenter Laura Woods and her former Old Trafford teammate Rio Ferdinand.