Karim Benzema calls his involvement in blackmail scandal a 'big misunderstanding'

Benzema has pleaded his innocence ever since he was accused of being invovled in the extortion attempt

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has claimed that his involvement in the alleged blackmail attempt to extort money from France teammate Mathieu Valbuena over a sex tape has been a ‘big misunderstanding’ and has pleaded innocence regarding the same, according to extracts from an interview given by Benzema to private French national television channel TF1.

The 27-year-old has been in the eye of the storm ever since the alleged blackmail scandal broke out earlier and there have been constant speculations regarding his future at Real Madrid and for the Les Bleus. The striker was charged for his involvement in the scandal and is still under active investigation by concerned authorities.

Criticism levelled at Benzema for his involvement in the extortion attempt reached fever pitch as the French Prime Minister remarked that the striker had ‘no place’ in the France national football team.

However, Benzema has been pleading innocent ever since the story broke out and has constantly been denying any involvement in the extortion bid. And his latest attempt at doing the same seems like another desperate attempt from the striker to try and alienate himself from the accusations levelled at him.

“I think this is a big misunderstanding. At first, I just wanted Mathieu to be aware of the story and to help him. This is a teammate in the France team. He’s a friend,” Benzema is quoted as saying.

“[I had it confirmed] that the video was serious and that’s what I told Mathieu. I explained everything [Karim Zenati, one of the alleged blackmailers and Benzema’s childhood friend] told me because he is my best friend and I trust him.”

I was only trying to help Valbuena: Benzema

Benzema has also tried to clarify the alleged phone call between Karim Zenati and himself which apparently nails Benzema’s role as an active member in the extortion scandal.

“It can be heard throughout the conversation that I’m joking and only talk about helping, there is no ulterior motives in my offer to help,” he insisted.

The striker also explains the alleged homophobic slur used by him while referring to Valbuena was out of anger and meant nothing sinister. He also played down the slur saying it wasn’t a derogatory term as he addresses his friends with the same often in jest.

“Obviously, I was angry. I thought [Valbuena] went to report me to the police,” Benzema said.

“However, it’s a term I would often use with my friends, to anyone. For me and my generation, it’s not a derogatory word.”

Meanwhile, it would be interesting to see how the authorities would respond to Benzema’s claims. The French law dictates a five-year prison sentence and a hefty fine if any citizen is found guilty of blackmail and extortion. If Benzema is found guilty, it would surely be a hammer blow on his footballing career.