Karim Benzema reunites with Kylian Mbappe after Real Madrid snub and "respect" admission

Karim Benzema has insisted that Kylian Mbappe 's decision to snub Real Madrid will not affect their relationship.

Ahead of four Nations League matches with France next month, the duo have reunited at their national team's base in Clairefontaine and were filmed meeting for the first time since Mbappe turned down the opportunity to join Madrid in favour of signing a groundbreaking new contract with hometown club Paris Saint-Germain.

Benzema - fresh off winning the Champions League by defeating Liverpool with Los Blancos in a tense final on Saturday - has already expressed his disappointment over his fellow Frenchman's decision, having been on a charm offensive with his Real teammates. But the 34-year-old was all smiles with the PSG superstar when linking up at the team hotel, shaking hands and sharing a warm embrace.

"I would have liked him to have been able to fulfil his dream of playing for Real Madrid, being together," Benzema told Telefoot in quotes carried by Marca. "He chose PSG, we must respect him. It's his choice, he has a lot of responsibilities. We will enjoy playing together in the national team.

"Everyone makes their own choices," Benzema went on to say. "Real Madrid are Real Madrid, I'm not disappointed. We are good friends, it won't affect our relationship."

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