Karim Benzema has spoken to the press for the first time since being accused of helping to black mail France team-mate Mathieu Valbuena with a sex tape.
The Real Madrid star has proclaimed his innocence, insisting that his only intention during the scandal has been to help Valbuena end the nightmare.
"Sincerely, I am not guilty," Benzema told TF1.
"I'm being dragged through the mud and treated like a criminal.
"What happened? It is simple. I have heard there is a video of him [Valbuena] and I have told him. I told him I could help him because I have a friend in Lyon who can manage these problems.
"I told him that if he had told his family already, he could let this go. I told him I have experienced these sort of things in the past.
"We never spoke about money. I earn a good living and when I help someone, I don't expect anything back.
"Valbuena thanked me the day I told him. What I do regret though, is this conversation with [my friend Karim] Zenati. I regret it because we laughed. I think it was understandable. It was spontaneous. I would have liked to be able to get in contact with Valbuena to apologise.
"I don't know the people that blackmailed him. The only one I know is Karim Zenati. He had his past and went to prison, but he started a new life since.
"I don't even understand why I have been in custody and why they dirtied my name when I was the one who wanted to be heard. I don't understand."
Source: Goal
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