Samir Nasri: 'France snubbing Karim Benzema is stupid'

Samir Nasri has criticised France manager Didier Deschamps for not welcoming back Karim Benzema.

The Real Madrid forward has been frozen out by the national team ever since the scandal involving teammate Mathieu Valbuena.

The 29-year-old was caught up in an alleged blackmail plot two years ago relating to a sex tape filmed on a camera phone.

Nasri, who has not been recalled to the national side since 2013, has criticised the decision to leave out Benzema.

"I feel sorry for Karim because he really wants to come back," Marca quotes Nasri as saying. "It has been nine or 10 years that he has been starring in Madrid, there is a moment when you must recognise someone's talent.

"It is stupid to not use a player like Benzema, you could have an attack with Karim, Mbappe, Griezmann and Dembele, it would be fantastic."

Benzema has made three La Liga appearances this season, creating one assist.