Rafael Benitez: 'Karim Benzema is an excellent person'

Rafael Benitez has hailed Karim Benzema as an "excellent person" after the French striker experienced another turbulent week.

The Real Madrid forward has been banned from the France national team by the French Football Federation, as the former Lyon man awaits the outcome of a legal investigation into a sex-tape plot involving compatriot Mathieu Valbuena.

However, despite all of the 27-year-old's off-field problems, Madrid manager Benitez is backing Benzema, describing him as an "excellent person".

"What concerns me in the France suspension is Karim, we support him 100%," Benitez said in a media conference.

"He's an excellent person and an essential player for us."

Benzema has been charged with complicity in an attempt to blackmail and participating in a criminal group. He denies the charges.