Karim Benzema has insisted that he 'feels sorry' for Gary Lineker after recently having his Real Madrid form questioned by the player-turned-presenter.

Lineker, who spent three years of his playing career at Los Blancos' rivals Barcelona, recently claimed that the French striker is "a tad overrated".

Those comments came in the wake of Benzema missing a couple of good chances against Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League but, ahead of Wednesday night's return fixture, the 29-year-old has now hit back.

Speaking to French magazine Les Inrockuptibles, he said: "I feel sorry for them, frankly. The criticism from ex-footballers who become journalists, some of who only share their hate. They have experienced the same situations but don't have solidarity."

Benzema also outlined his intention to one day return to the France national side, having been overlooked for selection due to off-the-field matters.