Real Madrid star Karim Benzema has hit back at his critics following recent criticism from former Tottenham striker Gary Lineker.
The Match of the Day and BT Sport presenter labelled Benzema “a tad overrated” and “decent not great” after last month’s meeting between Tottenham and Madrid at the Bernabeu, where the French striker missed several presentable chances.
But Benzema, who has scored 182 goals in 375 games for Madrid and developed an impressive partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo, was in no mood to accept the “hatred” he claimed was emanating from Lineker and others.
“What I have more of a problem accepting is the criticism of former players turned journalists, who -- some of them - spread their hatred,”Benzema said in an interview with French magazine Les Inrockuptibles.
“They had the same difficulties, but have no solidarity. I feel sorry for them, frankly.”
Benzema’s comments echoed the views of his manager Zinedine Zidane, who labelled Lineker’s critique “embarrassing.”
