Karim Benzema ‘REJECTS French president Emmanuel Macron’s offer to travel to Qatar in a private jet for the World Cup final ‘ – but fePaul Pogba and N’Golo Kante
Karim Benzema has rejected the chance to attend the World Cup final with France, according to reports.
The Ballon d’Or winner has missed the tournament through injury and was expected to be a big miss for Didier Deschamps’ side in Qatar, but they have dealt with the absence and will contest their second final in a row later this afternoon.
According to RMC Sport via Get French Football News, however, Benzema has rejected an offer from French president Emmanuel Macron to take a presidential plane to Lusail to attend the game and support his side.
Karim Benzema has rejected the chance to attend the World Cup final in support of France
The forward is said to be furious with his treatment by France manager Didier Deschamps
Recent reports suggested the 35-year-old could make a dramatic return to the squad for the game against Argentina, which the player himself dismissed and insisted he ‘doesn’t care’.
It appears he has turned his back on the squad, and is said to be ‘furious’ with Deschamps for sending him home because of his injury, damaging an already fragile relationship.
Benzema reportedly needed just three days of treatment at Real Madrid’s training facility before he went on vacation and has already recovered from the injury.
Deschamps batted away questions on Benzema in the build-up to today’s game versus Argentina in Qatar
Deschamps appeared to be irked when he was asked if Benzema could feature in the final with Argentina.
He closed his eyes and puffed his cheeks before saying ‘I don’t really want to answer that question,’ and letting out a smile as he quickly said: ‘Next question.’
Olivier Giroud has impressed in Benzema’s absence, becoming his country’s all-time top goalscorer in the tournament, but a virus in the French squad has resulted in calls for Benzema to return.
But he won’t even be in the game in a spectator’s capacity, throwing his future international career into doubt having already missed five-and-a-half years of playing time through a dispute.
Fellow injured players Christopher Nkunku, Paul Pogba, Presnel Kimpembe and N’Golo Kante will all be in attendance after accepting Macron’s offer.
Oliver Giroud has impressed in Benzema’s absence, with the forward’s future now unclear
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