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The war of words between Karim Benzema and Gary Lineker took another turn following a recent interview with the Real Madrid striker in French publication Les Inrockuptibles.

The controversy began when Lineker took to Twitter to opine that Benzema was "a tad overrated" following Madrid's 1-1 draw with Tottenham in which the French forward squandered a great goalscoring opportunity.

The former England and Barcelona striker's views caused a stir in Spain and even drew Los Blancos' boss  Zinedine Zidane into the debate during a pre-match press conference two weeks ago. "He's annoying me with [what he says about] Karim because, for people who know football, it's embarrassing", spat the  usually non-reactive manager.  

With the dust having seemingly settled, Benzema gave his thoughts on the BBC and BT Sport pundit's disparaging remarks, stating, "I'm finding it harder to accept the criticism of former players turned journalists who spread their hatred around. It upsets me, quite frankly".  

"They had the same difficulties, but show no solidarity. I find it embarrassing, frankly". 

In reaction, Lineker returned to Twitter to defend his original comments, and land a parting blow to the "over-sensitive" 29-year-old.