Rift Deepens as Benzema Ridicules Giroud

Karim Benzema of Real Madrid made fun of French striker Olivier Giroud, comparing himself to a Formula 1 car and Giroud, a go-kart.

Benzema has not played for France since 2015 and watched from a distance while Giroud led the team’s triumph in Russia two years ago.

With more than 500 appearances at Real Madrid and in his 11th season with the Spanish giants, there is no doubt about Benzema’s playing skills.

Asked about the Chelsea striker during a question and answer session on Instagram on Sunday night, Benzema said: “You can’t confuse a Formula One car with a go-kart, and I’m being nice. I know I’m a Formula 1 car…

“It works because he’s there, that’s it. It won’t be spectacular. (Antoine) Griezmann and (Kylian) Mbappe are seen more while he rolls up his sleeves and does the dirty work.

“But does everyone like his game? I dont know.”

In the 2016 and 2017 seasons, ahead of Russia 2018, Giroud scored 16 goals for France in 24 games.

He also played all World Cup matches and, although he did not find the target in Russia, his team came home with the trophy.

France coach Didier Deschamps has prevented Benzema since a court case in 2015.

The case involving Benzema allegedly trying to facilitate a scheme to blackmail French international Mathieu Valbuena over a compromising private film on a stolen cell phone.

The investigation is ongoing and Benzema is now waiting to see if he will face a criminal trial.

Benzema scored 19 goals in 32 games for Real Madrid this season, while Giroud was largely Chelsea’s reserve despite good form in February.