Benzema hits out at continued French exile

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has told French Football Federation president el Le Graet he and he alone will decide when time to end his international retirement has come. After Real coach Zinedine Zidane called for Benzema's four-year France exile, caused by his alleged part in an attempt to blackmail Mathieu Valbuena, to end this week,  Le Graet told French radio Benzema's adventure with French team was finished.

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"el, I thought you didn't interfere with decisions of France coach," said Benzema on Twitter.

"Please understand that I and I alone will call an end to my international career." Benzema, who is of Algerian origin, added that Le Graet should "let me play for one of countries for which I'm eligible" if he thinks 31-year-old is done.

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Benzema has t played for France since 2015, when he was placed under formal investigation over blackmail attempt. Coach Didier Deschamps has maintained Benzema's omission is in best interests of French squad, who won last year's World Cup without him. Benzema has scored 9 goals in 11 La Liga appearances for Madrid already this season.

"He has always wanted to play for France," Zidane said this week.

"He is best and I think he should definitely have a place in national team. Football-wise, re is debate."

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