541 matches, 0 red cards: Karim Benzema hits back at French PM

Benzema, accused of blackmailing fellow French international Valbuena over a sex-tape, was under investigation.

New Delhi: Karim Benzema has hit back at his detractors, including French Prime Minister Manuel Valls, following comments about the striker's ethical respect.

The Real Madrid star on Tuesday took to Twitter to share his anguish, and wrote 541 matches played, 0 red cards, 11 yellow cards!!! And some people talk about my exemplariness???"

Earlier yesterday, the French PM talking to RMC said, "I'm not the French Football Federation's president or Didier Deschamps, but I think there're no grounds for Benzema to come into the France team. He's still under investigation."

12 saisons que je suis professionnel : 541 matchs joués 0 carton rouge 11 cartons jaune !!! Et certains parle de mon exemplarité ???

— Karim Benzema (@Benzema) March 15, 2016

Valls was referring to the recent relief given to Benzema over his alleged involvement in national team-mate Mathieu Valbuena's sex-tape case.

Earlier last November, a French judge placed Benzema under formal investigation, accusing him of blackmailing fellow French international Valbuena over a sex-tape.

This latest development will allow the striker to make a return to the national side, ahead of the 2016 Euro.

"A great sportsman must be an example for our youth... Football is our legacy. It's not just relevant to the fans. We have to be careful. All acts and decisions have their importance," added Valls.

The PM's voice echoed French sports minister Patrick Kanner, who also said earlier that "the conditions had not been met" for Benzema's return and questioned his level of respect for the ethics of the France team.