Real Madrid backing striker

Real Madrid are backing Karim Benzema following his arrested in connection to a blackmail with a sex tape.

The striker was put under formal judicial investigation earlier on Thursday, November 5 in connection with an alleged attempt to blackmail Olympique Lyonnais forward Mathieu Valbuena with the use of a sex video.

Also read: Benzema omitted from French squad

Hours later Real Madrid released a statement backing the striker after he was pictured training alone.

"Real Madrid president, , held a meeting with the player in which he gave him his full support and expressed his confidence that his actions were in good faith and that he is completely innocent," the club said in a statement.

Also read: Benzema placed under formal inquiry over sex tape blackmail

"The club values and recognises the professional commitment, the displays of camaraderie with his team-mates and the impeccable attitude he has shown as a core member of the first team squad for the more than six seasons that he has been a part of Real Madrid."

Benzema is still recovering from injury and has been able to train on his own, jogged and carried out various exercises.

Karim Benzema's legal representative has stressed that the Real Madrid star was not involved in alleged attempt to extort Valbuena using a sex tape.

Benzema's lawyer has insisted the player merely put himself at the police's disposal to assist with their investigation.

"Karim wishes to put an end to all the polemics that have emerged following this case, in which he has played no part whatsoever," lawyer Sylvain Cormier told .

Also read: Benzema resumes Real Madrid training

"When his name first emerged in the press, Karim immediately made it clear that he was standing at the disposal of investigators.

"Karim went to Versailles to answer some questions, but he has absolutely not done anything wrong. He has nothing to hide.

"He is happy and quite satisfied to be able to finally end this painful controversy."

Watch this Karim Benzema video, below: