DIEGO COSTA has called for Karim Benzema’s return to the France national team.
By JOE SHORT
Benzema has not played for France since being exiled by the FFF in December 2015 over his alleged role in an attempted blackmail of national team-mate Mathieu Valbuena - a case that has now finished. Benzema denied any wrongdoing.
Benzema recently called on France manager Didier Deschamps to pick him for this month’s international break - but the boss declined.
And Diego Costa, whose Spain side face France in Paris on Tuesday, believes the Real Madrid striker should be let back in the side.
“I don’t know what really happened, but Benzema is Benzema,” Costa told French TV station Telefoot.
“It’s hard not to count on a world-class player like him.
“For the sake of football, he should be in the [French] national team.
“France showed in the last European Championship that they’re a very good team. They also have some very young players with a lot of room for progression.”
Costa was also asked about Antoine Griezmann, who was named Player of the Tournament at Euro 2016 and who has been linked with a move to the Premier League.
Both Manchester United and Chelsea are interested in landing Griezmann, who has an £86million release clause.
And Costa believes the 26-year-old is one France’s most influential players.
“Griezmann? He’s a great player,” the Brazil-born forward said.
“In addition, there’s N’Golo Kanté, who plays with me at Chelsea.
“They’re a national team with many talents, which collectively makes them very dangerous.”
France gave 18-year-old Monaco forward Kylian Mbappe his first international cap against Luxembourg last night.
Mbappe has attracted the attention of a number of Europe’s elite clubs and Monaco have slapped a £130m price tag on his head to deter those suitors.
And Costa believes the Frenchman has the talent to become a world-class player.
“If he continues to progress at this rate, he’ll be a phenomenon,” Costa added.
“He’s a ‘killer’ in front of goal and a very good dribbler. I hope he continues down this road.”
By JOE SHORT
Benzema recently called on France manager Didier Deschamps to pick him for this month’s international break - but the boss declined.
And Diego Costa, whose Spain side face France in Paris on Tuesday, believes the Real Madrid striker should be let back in the side.
“I don’t know what really happened, but Benzema is Benzema,” Costa told French TV station Telefoot.
“It’s hard not to count on a world-class player like him.
“For the sake of football, he should be in the [French] national team.
“France showed in the last European Championship that they’re a very good team. They also have some very young players with a lot of room for progression.”
Costa was also asked about Antoine Griezmann, who was named Player of the Tournament at Euro 2016 and who has been linked with a move to the Premier League.
Both Manchester United and Chelsea are interested in landing Griezmann, who has an £86million release clause.
And Costa believes the 26-year-old is one France’s most influential players.
“Griezmann? He’s a great player,” the Brazil-born forward said.
“In addition, there’s N’Golo Kanté, who plays with me at Chelsea.
“They’re a national team with many talents, which collectively makes them very dangerous.”
France gave 18-year-old Monaco forward Kylian Mbappe his first international cap against Luxembourg last night.
Mbappe has attracted the attention of a number of Europe’s elite clubs and Monaco have slapped a £130m price tag on his head to deter those suitors.
And Costa believes the Frenchman has the talent to become a world-class player.
“If he continues to progress at this rate, he’ll be a phenomenon,” Costa added.
“He’s a ‘killer’ in front of goal and a very good dribbler. I hope he continues down this road.”
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