Ben Arfa Looks To Euro 2016

Last updated : 21 March 2016 By Footy Mad - Editor

Image result for hatem ben arfa newcastle

Ben Arfa, 29, was left out of the France squad for the upcoming friendly matches against Netherlands and Russia but he gave national coach Didier Deschamps a timely reminder of what he can do with a trademark solo effort in Nice's 3-0 win against Gazelec Ajaccio.

It was his 12th league goal of a remarkable comeback campaign and he is hoping he can do enough in the remaining weeks of the season to convince Deschamps to include him at the European Championship.

"The coach has made his choices. There is competition for places and that is all the better for Les Bleus," Ben Arfa told reporters after Sunday's victory at the Allianz Riviera.

"There is no problem. It is up to me to work hard to come back but the most important thing is not me, it is the France team and that they prepare well for what is coming in June.

"I hope everybody will be right behind them. That said, of course I want to be there. I will just keep on working and putting in performances for my team."

The former Newcastle United player also set up one goal on Sunday as Nice recorded a third consecutive win to remain third in Ligue 1 and in contention for Champions League qualification.

Ben Arfa was called up to the last France squad for the November matches against Germany and England and appeared in both after more than three years in the international wilderness.

France face Netherlands at the Amsterdam Arena on Friday before entertaining Russia at the Stade de France on Tuesday, March 29.