Karim Benzema has hit back at criticism from French president Francois Hollande by insisting he was ‘brought up well’ by his parents.
In his new book 'Un president ne devrait pas dire ca…' (A President shouldn't say that…') spoke of ‘badly brought up’ sports stars with the Real Madrid striker ‘not an example of morality’.
The 28-year-old is embroiled in a case of alleged extortion against former international team-mate Mathieu Valbuena.
"What do you want me to say to you?" Benzema told Le Parisien.
"That I am not a good example? I play football, I entertain the fans and I was brought up well by my parents."
Asked if he wanted to get back playing for his country soon, Benzema replied that he was hopeful of a recall but "not anxious" about the situation.
"We will see," he continued.
"There is no need to talk about this all the time. I must play well for my club. I hope to get the call from the national team, but I am not anxious about it. It is important for me to return, but that's all."
