Karim Benzema has responded to Gary Lineker’s recent comments.
Lineker suggested that Benzema was “a tad overrated” when Real Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw by Spurs at the Bernabeu last month and his opinion has since developed into a question that has been asked at multiple press conferences involving Real manager Zinedine Zidane, who admitted that he was annoyed by Lineker’s remark.
https://twitter.com/GaryLineker/status/920378807655305218
It’s become something of a running joke at this stage for the Match of the Day host as he continues to goad Zidane with his opinion that Spurs’ Harry Kane is the far superior forward.
Harry Kane scores again. Thankfully Zidane thinks Benzema is the best so they won’t be interested in poaching him.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) October 22, 2017
Spurs host Real Madrid in the return fixture on Wednesday night and, ahead of that game, Benzema finally opened up on Lineker’s statements.
“The criticism from ex-footballers who become journalists, some of who only share their hate, I feel sorry for them, frankly,” Benzema told Les Inrockuptibles, via MARCA.
“They have experienced the same situations but don’t have solidarity.”
Benzema hasn’t played for France since 2015 but, in that same interview, the 29-year-old revealed his hope to return for his national team in time for the 2018 World Cup.
“You have to make the most of all opportunities,” Benzema added. “Of course I want to return for France! Which footballer doesn’t dream of playing in a World Cup?
“I try to do my best for my club and we will see at the end. Talking isn’t helpful and it can lead to misunderstandings. I don’t talk anymore. I try to be successful and win titles.”
