Karim Benzema's ongoing exile from the France team is "a shame" and "kind of a mess", but Olivier Giroud insists he has nothing but respect for his fellow striker.
Real Madrid forward Benzema has not played for Les Bleus since 2015 having been kept out of the set-up due to his alleged involvement in a plot to blackmail Mathieu Valbuena.
Giroud has established himself as a key part of France's attack in his absence and is set to earn his 100th cap in a friendly against Ukraine on Wednesday.
Editors' Picks
Since being dropped, Benzema has been heavily critical of Giroud's presence up front for Les Bleus.