Mathieu Valbuena expresses disappointment over Karim Benzema's involvement in blackmail scandal
Lyon midfielder Mathieu Valbuena has slammed French national teammate Karim Benzema for letting him down with his involvement in the alleged blackmail of the former over a sex tape reports Eurosport.
Benzema has been charged with conspiring to commit a criminal act and complicity to blackmail - offences which carry a prison sentence of a minimum of five years under French law - over allegations that Lyon midfielder and international team-mate Valbuena was being held to ransom over an intimate video.
The France International forward who plies his trade in Ligue 1 was speaking in his first interview since Benzema was charged owing to his involvement in the alleged blackmailing attempt. Valbuena expressed his shock at the involvement of the Real Madrid star and also admitted that his relationship with Benzema was not as sincere as he had thought of earlier.
“When the case first came to light, I far from imagined that Karim Benzema would be involved. The investigators didn’t wait to find out what was said between Karim and I for it to be examined.
“Moreover, the police told me: ‘Don’t worry, we don’t need a testimony from you’.
“I can only be very, very, very disappointed [with Karim] and found that our relationship is not as sincere as he could perhaps claim.”
I thought the world of Benzema: Valbuena
Valbuena also vented out his disappointment and frustration after he read the alleged transcripts of Benzema’s conversation’s with a childhood friend, who is believed to be an accomplice in the scandal, which were made public by French newspaper L’Equipe. The transcripts allegedly reveal Benzema and his accomplice discuss ways to manipulate Valbuena.
“Obviously I’m disappointed, more than disappointed [with Benzema],” the Lyon midfielder told Le Monde.
He also said that Benzema had shown a complete lack of respect towards him and felt like he had been taken for a fool by his ex-teammate.
“[His words] showed a lack of respect. I thought the world of him before, but now I feel he’s taken me for a fool.”
“Many people want to destabilise me, but I’ve risen above them, as I always have.”
“I can’t defend the indefensible. I wouldn’t do that, not even to my worst enemy.”