"Zidane rules out Benzema return to France squad: "I adore him"
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| Zinedine Zidane (French coach) |
France head coach Zinedine Zidane has ruled out a national team return for Karim Benzema, the former Real Madrid captain.
Zidane, who admitted his affection for Benzema, said his focus is on younger players.
The 54-year-old named his squad for the September international break, during which France will face Turkey and Belgium in UEFA Nations League fixtures.
Asked about the possibility of Benzema rejoining the squad, Zidane told the media ahead of his first matches in charge of France, "I spent extraordinary years with him [Benzema] in Madrid. I adore him. He has played for France."
"Right now, I need to see younger players with the national team," he said.
