His first words were expected.
A few hours after the verdict of the Versailles Criminal Court concerning the "sextape affair", the French international Mathieu Valbuena entrusted them exclusively this Wednesday evening to the antenna of RMC, of which he is a consultant, in the program "Rothen ignites".
And if he was "satisfied" with the verdict and understanding with Benzema, he, on the other hand, widely criticized the attitude of the president of the French Football Federation (FFF) in this story.
“I am satisfied that my victim status has been recognized by the courts.
I am sure that I have done my duty as a citizen by filing a complaint and not giving in to blackmail, the mid-37-year-old responded.
I've been right in my boots from the start, I'm relieved it's all behind me.
"
The revelation of the case had precipitated the end of the international career of the former player of Marseille and Lyon, now at Olympiakos in Greece.
“It cost me one or two years” in selection, he assured.
When you rub shoulders with the high level with the France team, which is a showcase, which is best, being ousted like this is difficult.
"
"It's Mr. Ghost"
His former teammate with the Blues Karim Benzema, prosecuted for complicity in attempted blackmail, was sentenced on Wednesday to a one-year suspended prison sentence and a fine of 75,000 euros.
Lawyers for the Real Madrid striker, who was recalled by Didier Deschamps in May before Euro 2021, immediately announced their intention to appeal, specifying that their client, absent from the debates last month and from the deliberations on Wednesday, would be present at the second trial.
VIDEO.
Case of the sextape: Benzema, sentenced to one year in prison, appeals
Valbuena played appeasement with her former partner and accomplice.
“Today, the France team needs its best players (…), I am no one to say whether it should be selected or not.
On the other hand, he criticizes the attitude of the Federation and its leaders.
"The only thing I see is that I received no support" while "I am a victim of all this, it is true even if some could still doubt it".
The middle with 52 selections mainly attacked the attitude of Noël Le Graët who, according to him, never deigned to call him.
“When I was in the good days of the France team, he licked my boots.
On the other hand, when one disappears from the radars, it is Monsieur Phantom.
Maybe he lost my number, ”quipped Valbuena.
The midfielder of Olympiakos nevertheless congratulated himself on having "always kept his head held high", where "many could have fallen".
“Today I feel fulfilled in the country and the club where I am.
I have been in mourning for the France team for a long time but it was not easy to turn the page, ”he concluded.