Karim Benzema has claimed that he will not give up hope of representing France at Euro 2016.

The Real Madrid striker is currently dealing with issues off the field as he faces charges of conspiracy to blackmail in an incident involving a sex-tape of Lyon midfielder Mathieu Valbuena.

France boss Didier Deschamps responded to the scandal by leaving Benzema out of his most recent squad, but the 27-year-old remains optimistic that he will be given the chance to play at next summer's tournament.

"My goal is to play in France's team. It always has been and I do not want to [stop]," he told Telefoot.

"I'm not afraid [of not playing at Euro 2016] because there are too many things in life to be afraid of.

"I dream because it is the Euros, a great competition and it is in France."

Benezema has scored 27 goals in 81 games for France.