Olivier Giroud and Karim Benzema’s war of words is showing no signs of slowing with the Chelsea striker aiming a dig at his countryman by claiming he is a ‘World Cup-winning go-kart’.
The two strikers have engaged in a feud after Benzema claimed Giroud was a go-kart and himself a Formula One car when comparing one another.
But Giroud, who led the line for France in their World Cup-winning campaign in 2018, has said that at least he can boast the most prestigious honour in football.
He told Befoot: “People say you cannot compare a Formula One car with a go-kart and the only thing I can say on the matter is that I’m a world champion, so that isn’t bad for a go kart.”
Benzema was banished from France’s national team after becoming involved in an alleged blackmail plot involving teammate Mathieu Valbuena.
And the 32-year-old defended his comments about Giroud by insisting that if he was to compare himself to legendary Brazil striker Ronaldo, then he would be the go-kart.
He said: “They only focused on that, on what I said about Formula One and karting, but it’s what I think and it’s the truth.
“Look, if I was asked about Ronaldo Nazario, then he would be the Formula One and I would be the kart. Short and simple.”
Giving COVID-19 the red card
The quicker we work together to stop coronavirus spreading, the sooner we can get back into the pub, the gyms and stadiums and arenas to see live sport again…
1. Practice social distancing by remaining two metres apart from others.
2. Wash your hands regularly
3. Self isolate if you have a fever or cough
Stay at home if you have either:
a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
For more info and tips, visit the NHS website.
The government has also issued its guidance on social distancing.
Everyone should do what they can to stop coronavirus spreading.
Darren Bent says Tottenham players can’t allow their club to put staff on furlough – “Morally, the players should be taking a pay cut.”
Giroud has become a key member of the France set-up with 39 goals in 97 appearances for Les Bleus.
But the former Arsenal ace admitted he was not a fan favourite when he took Benzema’s place in the national team in 2015.
“I immediately realised that the people who booed me were not anti-Giroud, but pro-Benzema,” Giroud told Le Parisien in 2016.
“It could not be otherwise. I came from a great season with Arsenal. It was just disappointing.
“Yes, it annoyed me. I was not even remotely responsible for this story and I did not understand the kind of hatred that developed against me.”
