Real Madrid have released a statement in support of beleaguered striker Karim Benzema.
The French striker was questioned this week at a police station in Paris over an alleged blackmail plot against fellow Les Bleus team mate Matieu Valbuena over a sex video.
He was released on Thursday but a public prosecutor said the crimes for which Benzema is being investigated can carry a prison term of up to five years. Benzema’s lawyer issued a statement denying his client’s involvement in any blackmail attempt.
The 27-year-old was back in training in Madrid ahead of the weekend’s clash with Sevilla. And his club have thrown their weight behind him by issuing a statement.
“The Real Madrid C.F president, Florentino Perez, held a meeting with the player in which he gave him his full support and expressed his confidence that his actions were in good faith and that he is completely innocent,” it read.
And it continued: “The club values and recognises the professional commitment, the displays of camaraderie with his team-mates and the impeccable attitude he has shown as a core member of the first team squad for the more than six seasons that he has been a part of Real Madrid.”
