he Real Madrid striker has spoken out for the first time since he was accused of involvement in the case, with the France international protesting his innocence

Karim Benzema has spoken to the press for the first time since being accused of helping to blackmail 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.