Man United Legend Evra Slams French Players for ‘Betraying’ Benzema

• Karim Benzema is the first Ballon d'Or holder not to make an appearance at the World Cup
• The 35-year-old Real Madrid striker suffered an injury prior to the start of the tournament
• Despite returning from injury amid the tournament, he was withdrawn from France's team

Patrice Evra has criticised players of the France national team, for their cold attitude towards Karim Benzema during the 2022 World Cup.

Benzema missed the Mundial in Qatar after he sustained a thigh injury on the eve of the tournament.

His injury hampered his participation in the competition, but he reportedly requested to stay in the camp for treatment.

However, the opposite happened, forcing the Ballon d'Or holder to call time on his international career shortly after the World Cup.

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It was also reported that a number of the senior players in the camp were not happy with Benzema's presence in the national team, per SBNation.

Reflecting on the incident, compatriot Patrice Evra defended Benzema while slamming his teammates.

“I have the impression that Karim bothered a lot of people,” said the former Manchester United defender as quoted by GFFN. “You as players should be going to war for another player - the doctor said he would be out for only three weeks.”

An irate Evra added the French national team should belong to every player.

“You told Karim to do his business. You players are making the same mistake as the 98′ world champions, who thought that the French national team belonged to them..."

Benzema unfollows French players

Sports Brief also reported that Benzema has reportedly unfollowed all his former French teammates on Instagram, except for Kylian Mbappe and four others.

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The striker's brutal decision follows his earlier announcement to call time on his international career, on the back of France's heartbreaking World Cup final defeat to Argentina.

Besides his injury, Benzena's inability to return to Les Bleus in Qatar has been linked with a revolt among senior players, who were reportedly unwilling to have him back in the last games.

Benzema retires from France

Sports Brief earlier reported that Real Madrid forward, Benzema officially announced his retirement from international football.

The 35-year-old made the announcement a day after France lost to Argentina in a dramatic 2022 World Cup final in Qatar.

The Ballon d'Or winner missed the Mundial in the Middle East country, after he sustained a thigh injury on the eve of the event.