Karim Benzema is set for an awkward reunion with compatriot Olivier Giroud after both strikers were named in France’s squad for Euro 2020.
Despite being one of the world’s leading strikers, Benzema has not featured for Les Bleus since 2015 after becoming embroiled in a public blackmail scandal.
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However, Didier Deschamps has decided to recall the Madrid striker for this summer’s major tournament, boosting France’s already-exceptional attack.
Deschamps said: “Benzema and I met, we talked at length, then I thought a lot and made this decision.”
talkSPORT.com takes a look at the events of the last six years and why Benzema may need to make piece with Chelsea striker Giroud…
What did Benzema say about Giroud?
Speaking on social media in 2020, Benzema was asked how he rated fellow centre-forward Giroud.
He said: “This won’t take long. You don’t confuse F1 with go-karting. And I’m being kind. Next… and I know I’m F1.
“It works because he’s there. That’s all. It’s not going to be spectacular, it’s not going to be anything crazy but in his way you see more of Griezmann or Mbappe because he will put the work in.
“Does everyone like that way of playing? I don’t know.”
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Benzema later doubled down on his scathing assessment, adding: “About Giroud, I simply told the truth.
“But we didn’t remember what I said about him, especially about what he brings to the French national team.
“We just remembered the moment when I said I was F1 and he was karting. That’s what I think, that’s the truth, and that’s how it is.”
Giroud responded to that criticism by saying: “At the time, when I was unfairly criticised because of Karim’s absence, it hurt me.
“I continued to prove that I deserved my place and that this supposed rivalry with Karim was created from scratch by some people.
“I had nothing to do with it, we just play the same position. It happened but I reacted well to these difficulties.”
Why did Benzema not play for France?
Despite starring for Madrid for several years, Benzema’s international career had looked over for some time.
The Real ace hasn’t played for France in six years after becoming involved in an alleged blackmail sex tape plot involving ex-teammate Mathieu Valbuena.
Giroud was targeted by booing French fans in the aftermath and spoke out after being jeered during the European Championship on home soil.
Speaking to Le Parisien in 2016, he said: “I immediately realised that the people who booed me were not anti-Giroud, but pro-Benzema.
“It could not be otherwise. I came from a great season with Arsenal. It was just disappointing.
“Yes, it annoyed me. I was not even remotely responsible for this story and I did not understand the kind of hatred that developed against me.”
In November 2019, France Football Federation president Noel le Graet seemed to end any hopes of a recall for the French ace, who is Real Madrid’s fifth all-time leading scorer.
He said: “For me, Benzema is a very good player. I have never criticised his qualities.
“On the contrary, he is proving again this year at Madrid that he is one of the best players in his position.
“But the adventure with France is over.”
Who has most goals for France?
Giroud emerged as Didier Deschamps’ go-to striker with Benzema not getting a look in.
The Chelsea striker has 44 goals in 107 appearances, making him the country’s second-highest scorer of all-time.
Benzema has played 81 times for his country with his last cap coming in 2015. He has scored 27 goals for Les Bleus.
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