Varane – Euro snub has helped Benzema

Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane has claimed that Karim Benzema is determined to help them win more titles after being omitted from France’s Euro 2016 squad.

The 28-year-old will not play any part at Euro 2016 after French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet and head coach Didier Deschamps confirmed earlier this month that he would not be selected.

Benzema was charged in November with conspiracy to blackmail France team-mate Mathieu Valbuena and was suspended from the national team as a result.

Although he was cleared to speak to Valbuena last month, Deschamps has decided not to call him up, and Varane believes that stance has helped Madrid.

The former Lyon star scored his 23rd league goal of the season as he helped Real beat Villarreal 3-0 on Wednesday night at the Santiago Bernabeu.

His opening goal sent Madrid on their way as they try to win La Liga this season for which they are priced at 6.00.

Varane also believes that Benzema’s current mindset will help his team win the Champions League this season.

He told AFP: “He’s transforming this disappointment into motivation. I feel that he’s very concentrated on the end of the season – very motivated.

“He really wants us to win titles and score important goals.

“He’s someone who’s very strong mentally. He’s already proven that. He’s not allowed himself to be destabilised and, despite the disappointment, he remains motivated.”