Didier Deschamps appeared to shut down claims Karim Benzema could return for the World Cup final, and the striker has now posted a message.
Karim Benzema took to social media with a cryptic message saying he is “not interested” just two days ahead of France’s World Cup final showdown with Argentina.
Real Madrid forward Benzema has been ruled out of Qatar 2022 on the eve of the tournament due to a thigh injury he aggravated in training.
There have been suggestions that the reigning Ballon d’Or winner could link up with the squad having recovered from injury to return to training with his club.
However, when asked if Benzema could make a shock return ahead of Sunday’s final, France boss Didier Deschamps replied: “I don’t want to answer you. It’s a stupid question.”
Other reports from Spain on Friday claimed that Benzema was unhappy to be sent home and did not take kindly to Deschamps’ latest comments.
The 34-year-old has now posted an ambiguous message on social media, simply translated as “not interested”, accompanied by an explosion emoji.
Former Lyon striker Benzema scored 37 goals in 97 games for France.
Les Bleus are aiming to become only the third team – and the first since Brazil in 1962 – to retain the World Cup trophy after beating Morocco 2-0 in the semi-finals to progress.