- Karim Benzema has rejected an opportunity to attend a tribute event organised by France
- Retired French stars are set to be honoured before Les Bleus' clash against the Netherlands
- Benzema is at odds with Didier Deschamps after he was injured before the 2022 World Cup
It has now emerged that Karim Benzema turned down an invitation to attend an honourary ceremony organised by France on Friday evening.
France will begin their Euro 2024 campaign against the Netherlands at the Stade de France in Paris.
Source: Getty Images
Before the game, a group of retired French internationals are set to be honoured and conspicuously missing will be Benzema.
The Real Madrid star recently retired from international duty after the World Cup in Qatar, where he reportedly fell out with head coach, Didier Deschamps.
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Benzema and Deschamps at odds
The reigning Ballon d'Or winner made his comeback to the international fold barely three years ago and was part of the squad that won the UEFA Nations League in 2021.
He was then called up to the World Cup squad but an injury a few days before ruled him out.
The 35-year-old was never replaced in the squad and could have been eligible for the winners medal had France beat Argentina in the final.
There have been fresh misunderstandings between him and Deschamps, with the Los Blancos skipper sending subtle digs via his social media handles.
GFFN reports that Hugo Lloris, Raphael Varane, Steven Mandanand, and Blaise Matuidi will all be honoured before the clash against Ronald Koeman's side. Benzema was invited but reports indicate he passed up on the opportunity by saying he would not be available.
Benzema's issue with Deschamps
Sports Brief previously reported on Benzema aiming swipes at Deschamps, seemingly referring to the France manager as a liar after he gave an interview about his World Cup injury.
The Real Madrid frontman sustained an injury to his left thigh during training which ruled him out of the tournament, with the Frenchman leaving the team hotel in Qatar afterwards.
However, Benzema's legal representative, Karim Djaziri Djaziri believes the 35-year-old would have been fit for the knockout rounds of Les Bleus' World Cup campaign if he had stayed on.
