<
>

Mathieu Valbuena: I'd play with Karim Benzema again for France

Mathieu Valbuena has told RMC he would have no problem playing again with Karim Benzema for France.

Valbuena, 32, was one of the mainstays of Didier Deschamps' national team during qualification for Euro 2016, and appeared to be a shoo-in for Les Bleus' squad for last summer's final tournament.

However, following revelations police were investigating alleged attempted extortion of the Lyon midfielder -- a probe in which Benzema, 28, is involved -- Valbuena's form dipped, and he missed out as France finished runners-up to Portugal.

Benzema also did not feature with the French Football Federation (FFF) ruling him unavailable for selection as the investigation continues.

Valbuena, however, would be happy to play alongside the Real Madrid forward for their country, resuming a partnership that has worked well in the past, should the duo be recalled.

"Of course I would be ready to do that," the former Marseille man, who won the last of his 52 caps in October 2015, said. "Why not? There's no problem

"I always make a distinction between what happens on and off the pitch. And I've always got on well with him on the pitch, you've seen that."