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Karim Benzema has received unlikely support in his bid for this year's Ballon d'Or from his former France teammate Mathieu Valbuena.
Last year, Benzema was found guilty of taking part sex tape blackmail plot against Valbuena.
The Real Madrid striker was handed a one-year suspended prison sentence and fined £63,000 for helping four friends attempt to blackmail Valbuena in 2015.
On Saturday, Benzema dropped his appeal against the conviction.
Valbuena says he has now "turned the page" and has even backed Benzema to win the Ballon d'Or after his sensational season for Real Madrid.
Speaking to RMC, Valbuena said: "It wouldn't be honest to say that Benzema doesn't deserve the Ballon d'Or.
"Yes, he deserves it. I can speak objectively on a sporting level and I do it willingly, happily. There's no problem."
Valbuena, who now plays for Greek side Olympiakos, is keen to move on from the blackmail saga, which caused Benzema to be dropped from the French national side for six years before returning to the fold in 2021.
"I've turned the page after all these years," added Valbuena.
"I hold no hard feelings, they were difficult moments that I managed to pick myself up from.
"I would have liked for my to career to end in another way but that's that how it is."
Benzema is the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or after helping Real Madrid win the La Liga title and the Champions League this season.
He scored 44 goals in 46 games in all competitions, including a number of crucial goals in Europe.
The France international faces competition from Liverpool duo Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah for the award, with Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe also thought to be in contention.
Featured Image Credit: PA ImagesTopics: Karim Benzema, France, Football, Real Madrid,
Rory O'Callaghan