Football NewsOlivier Giroud has laughed about Karim Benzema’s opinion comparing him to a go-kart
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The veteran forward pair have been named together for France for the first time in six years, following the recall of the Real Madrid star from the wilderness as Didier Deschamps hopes to back up a Russia 2018 World Cup triumph across Europe.

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Giroud and Benzema are in the France lineup for Euro 2020

Olivier Giroud has laughed about Karim Benzema’s opinion comparing him to a go-kart after the duo’s reunion with France ahead of Euro 2020, with the Chelsea attacker wondering he would take his international teammate on a celebratory lap if they win this summer. The veteran forward pair have been named together for France for the first time in six years, following the recall of the Real Madrid star from the wilderness as Didier Deschamps hopes to back up a Russia 2018 World Cup triumph across Europe. Benzema argued last year that he could not be compared to a fellow countryman, however, claiming that the difference between the two was that of a Formula 1 vehicle and go-kart – but now Giroud has joked about the potential for any bad blood between the pair.

It’s not easy for Karim to return like that

“There is no cause to hit it with Benzema,” the 34-year-old told reporters in the week where he wrote a one-year extension to stay at Stamford Bridge after winning the Champions League last month. “The comments he made about me made me smile and laugh more than anything. I put myself in his shoes. It’s not easy to return like that. You have to know how to forgive and not hold a grudge.” When asked if the duo would do anything together in the event of victory at Wembley Stadium next month, Olivier added: “We are both going to celebrate on a karting circuit. That will make a great photo! ”

Giroud and Benzema are among eight players aged 30 or over, called up for Les Bleus’ push for a second consecutive significant honour, with the last a full 11 years older than the youngest team member in Kylian Mbappe. Their experience undoubtedly provides a boost for Deschamps, who knows that his side will be firmly counted among the favourites, alongside defending champions Portugal – who they face in Group F and the Russia 2018 semi-final pair of Belgium and England, among others. Giroud has been handed the number nine jersey, suggesting a potential star role, although he was absent for Wednesday’s friendly win over Wales. At the same time, Benzema kicked off ahead of his long-awaited return to the international fold, missing a penalty in a 3-0 victory.