France coach Deschamps on Real Madrid striker Benzema: I can never forget what he said | OneFootball

France coach Didier Deschamps says he cannot forgive Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema for past accusations.

Deschamps hasn't included Karim Benzema in a France squad since the Mathieu Valbuena case emerged in 2015, but he has said that the Real Madrid striker's allegations of racism remain very present in his mind.

Benzema has been exiled from international football while he awaits trial for the alleged blackmail of former teammate Valbuena.

The 33-year-old, however, has suggested that his Algerian origins are the real reason for his exclusion.

"Deschamps has bowed to pressure from a racist part of France," Benzema told MARCA in 2016.

Deschamps has been very affected by these accusations, which have on occasion turned ugly, with threats made against his family.

"It left its mark. Even if it fades a bit with time, I can't forget it," Deschamps said to RTL.

"It's not just about Karim Benzema, there are comments from other people who carried out this violence against my family."

Deschamps' family home has been attacked and he tried to sue Benzema for his comments, but the courts dismissed his claim.