Chelsea forward Giroud played ahead of Benzema during his extended spell away from the international fold. Still, they will be forced to work together at this summer’s tournament after a well-documented public spat.
The pair will work together after a well-documented public spat
Karim Benzema reveals he is relaxed about reuniting with Olivier Giroud in the French national squad, despite his previous reflections expressing his compatriot as a “go-kart”. Benzema was given his first international call-up in six years last week as Didier Deschamps named the Real Madrid striker in his final 26-man team for Euro 2020. Chelsea forward Giroud played ahead of Benzema during his extended spell away from the international fold. Still, they will be forced to work together at this summer’s tournament after a well-documented public spat. Benzema previously suggested that Giroud’s abilities pale compared to his own, referring to Deschamps’ squad’s persistent omission on social media Q&A last year. “You shouldn’t confuse an F1 car with a go-kart, and I am kind,” Benzema said.
Benzema and Giroud spoke during the Chelsea game
Olivier Giroud responded by reminding Benzema of his status as a FIFA World Cup winner, only for the Blancos frontman to double down on his previous remarks, saying, “I just told the truth.” Despite the pair’s previous animosity, Benzema insists they put their differences aside after coming face to face again during Chelsea’s victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals. Sure. Olivier, I saw him during the Chelsea game. We spoke, it was relaxed. He congratulated me for the goal,” Benzema told reporters. “It was good vibes, and it was cool. I’ve already played with him, and it will be the same as before.” Benzema was expelled from the French national team in 2015 after his alleged involvement in the infamous sex-tape scandal involving Mathieu Valbuena.
After losing his place in the team, Benzema accused Deschamps of “yielding under the pressure of a racist part of France,” the head coach subsequently refused to consider the striker for selection. However, Deschamps performed a U-turn for Les Bleus’ latest European Championship campaign after a lengthy discussion with Benzema, who says they quickly buried the hatchet when speaking face to face.