Champions League: Karim Benzema sends message to Kylian Mbappe | Soccer

The 23-year-old, who led Ligue 1’s scorer list with 28 goals, has been heavily courted by the Spanish champions and was expected to join Real on a free transfer when his contract with PSG expires next month.

Instead, he made the surprise decision to extend with the Parisians and sign a new mega-money deal until 2025 – even including French President Emmanuel Macron, who is believed to have been recruited to persuade Mbappe to join to stay PSG.

The veteran striker had avoided discussing his international team-mate’s decision ahead of the Champions League final, which Real beat Liverpool 1-0, but has addressed the matter, downplaying suggestions of a feud that could culminate in could affect the FC French national team.

“I wish he could fulfill his dream of playing for Real Madrid and being together,” Benzema told Telefoot.

“He chose PSG, we have to respect him. It’s his decision, he has a lot of responsibility.

“We will enjoy playing together in the national team. Everyone makes their own decisions.’

He added: “Real Madrid is Real Madrid, I’m not disappointed. We’re good friends, it won’t affect our relationship.’

Asked about Benzema’s cryptic posts last week, Mbappe himself said: ‘They must not have done Saint-Cyr [French military training] to understand that it comes from above, right?

“I didn’t want to overdo it. I know everyone was talking about Karim and Kylian, Kylian and Karim… but when we were with the national team, we only talked about dinner. We didn’t talk about Real Madrid.

“I didn’t want to force the thing. When we see each other we will discuss it. He will ask me why and I will explain this decision to him.”

MORE : Steven Gerrard claims Kylian Mbappe regrets about-face after Real Madrid win Champions League

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