"Karim Benzema is a very good player, I never questioned his qualities. He is one of the best players in his position but his time with France is over," Le Graet stated bluntly to 'RMC Sport'.
The 'Valbuena case' and other anti-sporting episodes have closed the door for Benzema withe France. He has not been called up for 'Les Bleus' since October 2015. This is more than 4 years without wearing the national team shirt. Benzema even said that Didier Deschamps had listened to racist interests and that was why he was not called up.
Despite the fact that Benzema is having one of the best times in his already successful, sporting career, France will not count on him. Le Graet's words made the footballer respond and he did not remain silent.
"Noel, I thought that you would not interfere with the coach's decisions. Bear in mind that I, and only I, will say when my international career ends. If you believe that I have finished, let me play for another country that I am eligible to play for and we will see," Benzema responded.
The Madrid striker has Algerian origins and could obtain Spanish nationality for the years worked in the white club. FIFA would not, however, allow Benzema to play for another country because he has already been international for France, which he has represented in several official tournaments.