Karim Benzema, a striker for Real Madrid, says he wanted Kylian Mbappe to join the club, but isn’t upset that his France friend signed a new contract with PSG.

Mbappe had been anticipated to leave Paris Saint-Germain for Real Madrid when his contract expired this summer, but the 23-year-old chose to stay at PSG for another three years, infuriating several La Liga figures.

The decision was shocking to many who expected Mbappe’s eventual deal to Real Madrid was a foregone conclusion. The tone around the decision was one of a “U-turn” which suggested a last-minute change of heart.

Benzema, who plays with Mbappe at the international level, will now focus on the upcoming Champions League final, and at least next season without his France teammate at the club level.

“It was a long year for him, he had to decide,” Benzema said Canal+, “and he has no ill feelings towards Mbappe for turning down the chance to join me in Spain.”

“It’s his decision; I wish him well, however, as I previously stated, I would have preferred him to play for Real Madrid.”

He continued to Movistar+, “I prefer not to talk. I’m not angry, I can just tell you that I’m focused on the Champions League final [against Liverpool on Saturday] which is more important than listening to anything else.”

He did, however, drop in what felt like a small slight at Mbappe’s importance to the squad. “Now is not the time to talk about these little things,” Benzema quipped.

Mbappe’s decision may have angered officials and fans at Madrid, but the attacker refused to rule out ever playing for the club in the future.

Asked this week if his dream of moving to the Spanish capital was over, he said: “Never over, never over”.

Mbappe said that he declined the highly-anticipated move to Madrid due to “sentimental” reasons and that he preferred to remain in his native country.