Karim Benzema has hit back at reporters after being asked about his snub from France's World Cup final squad - and admitted his only focus is on Real Madrid.
The 35-year-old was initially ruled out of the tournament in Qatar after tearing a muscle in his left thigh but became available for the final against Argentina on December 18. However, Benzema reportedly rejected the chance to be involved in the game and didn't feature at all for Les Bleus across the competition.
A day after France's penalty shootout defeat, Benzema announced his retirement from international football, having supposedly cutting off all contact with the national team's coaching staff. Benzema has put France to the back of his mind and has scored four goals in three matches since the restart of Spanish domestic football.
Benzema's most recent strike came in Los Blancos' penalty shootout win over Valencia in the semi-final of the Spanish Super Cup following a 1-1 draw after extra-time. Carlo Ancelotti's side will now face Barcelona in Saudi Arabia on Sunday evening and the forward's focus is firmly on the game, rather than what's happened in the past.
"It's finished and it’s behind us," Benzema said of the France saga ahead of the clash with Barca. "The most crucial thing is the upcoming game. I am mentally prepared. The rest is history, even if it was difficult."
He added: "I don’t want to talk about the World Cup and France anymore. I will only respond to questions about the Spanish Super Cup final and not about the World Cup."
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Los Blancos have picked up some mixed results since the restart, having beaten Real Valladolid 2-0 before losing against Villarreal in La Liga. But the return of Benzema for both of those matches would have been welcomed by Ancelotti and the attacker has reflected on getting back to his best level.
He added, via Spanish outlet AS : "I am back from my injury and I worked hard to get back to my best level. I want to get on the ball, score and assist and I feel like I’m back. I hope I can keep helping my teammates. I’m feeling good, both mentally and physically. Last year was a very important year for me, but then I had various injuries and it took time to return, but now I’m on the right path. I feel good."
Real Madrid and Barcelona are embroiled in a two-way battle for the La Liga title this season, having lost a combined three games across a total of 32 matches. Although the Super Cup final isn't a league game, Ancelotti spoke about the chance to lift more silverware in his pre-match press conference.
Ancelotti said: "This thought of winning the six titles is not in our heads. We want to fight in all competitions and matches. That is what we have to do. Do not think about something very complicated and difficult. You have to follow step by step and reach the end of the season well."
