Real Madrid striker Benzema 'admits involvement' in blackmail case

 The 27-year-old star told investigators he approached Valbuena about the tape on behalf of "a childhood
friend." Benzema spent the night in custody after being arrested on Wednesday. A source close to the investigation said the player had admitted while he was in custody that he had spoken to Lyon midfielder Valbuena about the sex tape. "Karim Benzema has admitted speaking to Valbuena at the request of a childhood friend, who was approached by three blackmailers who were in possession of the sex tape," the source close to the investigation said. "Benzema said he had agreed with his childhood friend on what he should say so that his teammate (Valbuena) would negotiate exclusively with him."