MADRID (Reuters) - Real Madrid's top scorer and former France striker Karim Benzema has reacted to criticism from French football federation president Noel Lugray about the end of his career.
"He is a very good player, there is no doubt about his potential," Lugrae said. "At Real Madrid he showed that he is one of the best players in the world," he said in an interview with RMC Sport on Saturday. "But his adventure with France is over."
"Noel, I thought you didn't interfere in the coaches' decisions," Benzema wrote on Twitter hours after Lugray's remarks. "Only I am putting an end to my international career."
"If you think I'm done, let me play with one of the countries I'm authorized to play with and you'll see."
Noël je croyais que vous n'interfériez pas dans les décisions du sélectionneur! Sachez que c'est moi et moi seul qui mettrait un terme à ma carrière internationale. |
Benzema's publication sparked controversy, and some linked him to the desire of the player to represent his country of origin of Algeria, especially after repeatedly showing his commitment to his origins and encouragement for the team of desert warriors.
FIFA rules, however, prohibit changing the sporting nationality of players once they play an official match for the national team.
Benzema has been involved for several years in a blackmail case against French team mate Matthew Valbuena, leaving him out of the squad for his last match with him on October 8, 2015 against Armenia, where he scored two goals. During his international career.
France coach Didier Deschamps had already put Lugaray at the end of Benzema's career when he said: "I analyzed things not from an individual perspective, but from a collective perspective. The team was always the front-runner. "It will be useful for the French national team. I always act like this. I have decided and take responsibility for my decision."