Benzema: France need me and Valbuena

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema intends to represent France at Euro 2016, along with Lyon midfielder Mathieu Valbuena.

The 27-year-old forward has been embroiled in a blackmail scandal involving his fellow France international, but hopes to be selected by manager Didier Deschamps when Les Bleus host next year's tournament.

"It has always been my goal to play for the France national team, to wear the shirt," Benzema told AS. "Mathieu is a good player. France needs him, and they need me as well. I hold nothing against him.

"It's terrible that people are making me out to be someone who doesn't respect my country. I wouldn't have played 81 times for France if I didn't enjoy being here. I'm not mad. I've been in the team for a long time and I really want to win a tournament with my country.

"The European Championship is a big deal and I dream about playing in it, like many players. And it's in France, which is even better.

"I'm not worried though and I hope all of this gets sorted out as soon as possible so that I can play at the Euros.

"I've been playing for Madrid for seven years, and the same with France. I've always fought to get where I am and I will carry on doing that. People are trying to destroy my image but it doesn't matter. I will always be the same person until the end."