Published 12:15 IST, November 19th 2019
Karim Benzema hints at playing for Algeria, coach Belmadi rules out switch
Karim Benzema's war of words with French football President Noel and the player's demand to be allowed to play for another country is refuted by Algeria coach.
France and Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema was recently involved in a war of words with France Football President Noel Le Graet over the latter’s comment on Benzema. Benzema has been out of the national team since 2015. Though the player has been in an impressive form, he has not been called up by Didier Deschamps over these years.
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Benzema took to Twitter to respond to Noel
Karim Benzema had replied to Noel on Twitter. It seemed like the player was looking to switch allegiances, after being snubbed by the French national team once again. However, it appears that he won't be playing for Algeria either. Benzema is of Algerian descent as his parents were born there, but he probably would not be allowed to swap teams due to FIFA rules. Adding to this controversy, the Algeria manager Djamel Belmadi has denied any potential rumours surrounding his team. Algeria head coach Djamel Belmadi has responded on the issue saying that he has players such as Bagdad Bounedjah, Islam Slimani, Andy Delort Hillal and Soudani, and he was more than happy with the strikers at his disposal.
Noel had earlier commented on the striker saying that Benzema is a fine player and that he has never questioned his ability, but his time with France was over. Benzema strongly replied on Twitter saying that he thought that Noel didn't interfere with the decisions of the French coach. He added that it was him alone who could put an end to his international career. He went on to challenge the President saying that if he thought that the player was finished, he should let him play for one of the countries for which he was eligible.
Updated 16:34 IST, November 19th 2019