Karim Benzema has decided to decline President Emmanuel Macron’s invitation to the World Cup final, report AS.
Despite being called up by Didier Deschamps to the France World Cup squad, the 34-year-old suffered an injury prior to the start of the competition which meant he had to return to Madrid for treatment.
On Thursday it was communicated that Benzema has recovered in time to make an appearance in the final and has received permission from Real Madrid to go to Qatar to rejoin the France national team.
However, when asked about the possibility of the striker rejoining the squad, Deschamps decided not to comment on the matter.
Even though Benzema will not be making an appearance at the tournament, he received an invite to fly to Qatar by France’s president Emmanuel Macron, which he declined.
Former France World Cup winner and Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane also turned down the chance to join the presidential envoy.
GSFN | Tom Cserép
