Real Madrid forward, Karim Benzema has insisted that he did not lie over what many believe was a thin-veiled critricism directed at France striker, Olivier Giroud.
Benzema noted that he “simply told the truth” with the comments which many have deemed derogatory towards his compatriot.
The Real Madrid man gave the following response when asked to draw comparisons between himself and Chelsea centre-forward, Giroud on Instagram live:
“Don’t confuse Formula One with karting,” Benzema said.
It will be recalled that manager of the France national team, Didier Deschamps has opted to go with Giroud following Benzema’s continued international exile, which dates back to 2015.
Giroud played an important role for Les Blues as they romped to World Cup success in Russia in 2018.
Following a massive backlash, Benzema has now taken the time to put his previous comments in perspective as he added Portuguese superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo in the equation.
“About Giroud, I simply told the truth,” Benzema said on Instagram on Monday.
“But we didn’t remember what I said about him, especially about what he brings to the French national team.
“We just remembered the moment when I said I was F1 and he was karting. That’s what I think, that’s the truth, and that’s how it is.
“Because now, if you ask me with R9 (Ronaldo): R9 is F1, and I am karting. That’s the way it is. We’re going to move on,” he said
Benzema scored 27 goals in 81 international appearances for France, while Giroud is third on the all-time list with 39 from 97 matches.
