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Karim Benzema: I Don’t Regret What I Said, I’m With The France Squad To Play
In typically forthright fashion, the former Olympique Lyonnais prodigy has explained that he holds no remorse for his controversial comments, but he does explain that the les Bleus are very dear to him...
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Oct 9, 2009 10:45:29 AM
Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema has been at the centre of a storm regarding his place in the France national squad over the last fortnight, but the young striker has asserted that he does not regret any comments he made to the press.
Speaking about his experience as a substitute in the 1-1 draw with Romania, he said that he didn’t “really feel like playing, really feel like giving [his] best” and further complained of his peripheral role in the squad, explaining that he “cannot be expected to change a game… playing just five minutes”.
Criticism of his statements has been widespread, but coach Raymond Domenech has stuck by the young forward, who told a press conference late on Thursday that he is not remorseful over his previous comments.
“I don’t regret what I said,” he stated. “I may have been poorly expressed, my words may have been misinterpreted or misunderstood. But we must ask any player if he is happy to be on the bench? I am not. I want to be on the field and be in the France team. Every day I work in training for that. I am full of good intentions. But sometimes, [I should] be careful. What I said suddenly came from the heart.”
Asked about his thoughts on Domenech, the former Olympique Lyonnais forward said, “I respect the coach. He is there to make decisions. I am also proud to play for this team. Whether it's five, ten minutes or an entire match, I will give everything to win it.”
Benzema’s international performances have been the source of much scrutiny and he is set to miss out on the starting XI when les Bleus tangle with the Faroe Islands in Guingamp on Saturday night.
Robin Bairner, Goal.com
Speaking about his experience as a substitute in the 1-1 draw with Romania, he said that he didn’t “really feel like playing, really feel like giving [his] best” and further complained of his peripheral role in the squad, explaining that he “cannot be expected to change a game… playing just five minutes”.
Criticism of his statements has been widespread, but coach Raymond Domenech has stuck by the young forward, who told a press conference late on Thursday that he is not remorseful over his previous comments.
“I don’t regret what I said,” he stated. “I may have been poorly expressed, my words may have been misinterpreted or misunderstood. But we must ask any player if he is happy to be on the bench? I am not. I want to be on the field and be in the France team. Every day I work in training for that. I am full of good intentions. But sometimes, [I should] be careful. What I said suddenly came from the heart.”
Asked about his thoughts on Domenech, the former Olympique Lyonnais forward said, “I respect the coach. He is there to make decisions. I am also proud to play for this team. Whether it's five, ten minutes or an entire match, I will give everything to win it.”
Benzema’s international performances have been the source of much scrutiny and he is set to miss out on the starting XI when les Bleus tangle with the Faroe Islands in Guingamp on Saturday night.
Robin Bairner, Goal.com
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £100 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power for a free bet up to £50 |
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