Deschamps responds to Zidane's call for Benzema's France re-inclusion

Despite going through one of the best moments of his career, Karim Benzema continues to be left out of the France squad.

The ostracized Real Madrid striker has not featured for the national side since his involvement in the blackmail of Lyon player Mathieu Valbuena over a sex-tape in 2015.

And although on his current form, the 31-year-old forward would walk into the France starting XI, coach Didier Deschamps continues to overlook him.

Madrid boss and former France legend Zinedine Zidane was recently asked about Benzema’s fall-out with the national team, saying he believed that the player deserved to be recalled.

"He's always wanted to play for the French side," Zidane told a news conference. "To be honest, I don't know exactly what's going on.

"But from a football point of view, he's the best. I think he should definitely have a place in the French national team. It's beyond my role here, but he should definitely be called up."

Full screen

Deschamps responds to Zidane

In his latest press conference ahead of France’s fixtures against Moldova and Albania, Deschamps was asked about the comments of former Les Bleus team mate Zidane and gave a diplomatic response.

"I have no problem with him saying that. He is the coach of Real Madrid, so his role is to talk like that," said the French coach, who shared World Cup glory with Zidane in 1998 when the two were still players.

Full screen

And while Deschamps did not delve into details about his view on the current situation with Benzema, it seems unfeasible that the Lyon-born striker will ever play for his country again, despite the proclamations of his Madrid coach.

Last year French federation president Noel Le Graet was more emphatic about Benzema’s future with the France, effectively saying he had none.

“I have nothing against Karim,” said Le Graet, “but I think the national team is over for him.”