PSG defender Thiago Silva has jumped to the defence of Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema saying his is indispensable for France and should be included in the squad for the European Championships.
Benzema has been banned from the national team by the French FA while he is involved in a extortion case against fellow international team mate Matieu Valbuena.
In the autumn of last year, it emerged that Benzema was involved in an attempt to get money from Lyon playmaker Valbuena in exchange for getting rid of a sex tape he appeared in. If found guilty, Benzema could be facing a penalty of up to five years in jail.
The Los Blancos striker was not considered for selection for the November friendlies against Germany or England and has since been told he will not be considered while the case is ongoing.
Speaking to reporters, Silva said France were damaging their own hopes of winning the tournament this summer and even a nation like Brazil would need somebody of Benzema’s class up front.
“We know very well the quality of Benzema. I think a player like that is indispensable for every national team. I think even with Brazil we need a striker like Benzema, who’s technically good and who positions himself well on the pitch. I think Benzema’s an extraordinary player for every team. Beyond that, I don’t know what Deschamps thinks of the situation,” he commented.
