Karim Benzema and the France team, it smells of fir – Liberation

The advanced striker posted a message on Monday, December 19, which leaves little doubt about the end of his story with the Blues. The epilogue of chaotic adventures with the France team, which will have seen him return for a successful but disappointing Euro before ending with an injury in full preparation for the World Cup in Qatar.

Between them, the story will have been made up of ups and downs. Karim Benzema, Ballon d’Or 2022, has just announced the end of his career with the Blues in a message that leaves little doubt about his intentions: “I made the effort and the mistakes it took to be where I am today and I’m proud of it! I have written my story and ours is ending. Karim Benzema, who turns 35 this Monday, December 19, leaves a mixed legacy in the selection, disturbed by injuries and not always sporting stories.

Perceived as a genius just like an outcast, at the center of all the controversies – especially those, political, which do not concern him – Karim Benzema had made his surprise return to the France team on the occasion of Euro 2020. , his fate was mainly linked to business, the sextape of his teammate Mathieu Valbuena, and to a complex personal relationship with coach Didier Deschamps. But, back at the top level with Real Madrid, Benzema won again with the Blues. Until preparing for the World Cup in Qatar, which could have sounded like a last stand, a few weeks after being named the best player in the world.

But, as fate mocks, an injury caught up with number 19 with 97 caps and 37 goals in the middle of the World Cup, in conditions that are still unclear. Returning to training on his own a few days later, he hinted that he had “left his place”. During the tournament, the golden ball will not have shown great enthusiasm on social networks in the follow-up of its partners, between messages of support and enigmatic “stories”. In Qatar, every question asked about the Madrilenian will have annoyed Deschamps. The coach did not finally replace him in the group, a new episode in the complicated relationship between the two men.

The performances in the final of Marcus Thuram (25) and Randal Kolo Muani (24) suggest that this World Cup could have served as a handover on the front of the French attack, around the young but already legendary Kylian Mbappe. For his part, Karim Benzema leaves the Blues after a year during which he will have walked on water. The France team will have shone without him. He will have shone without the France team.