Vinicius says relationship with Benzema 'excellent' despite tunnel footage

Vinicius Junior has insisted that his relationship with Karim Benzema is 'excellent' after the Real Madrid star was seen criticising his young team-mate in revealing tunnel footage.

Last month, Benzema was caught on camera accusing Vinicius of 'playing against us' while talking with Ferland Mendy during their 2-2 draw with Borussia Monchengladbach in the Champions League.

The 20-year-old has struggled to nail down a place as a first team regular in Zinedine Zidane's side since joining from Flamengo in 2018, due in part to inconsistent displays, with Benzema's comments further compiling his misery.

But the Brazilian has insisted that talk of a falling out between himself and the Frenchman was just 'noise' to him, and that the pair maintain a great relationship.

'That was noise. That noise is not for me,' the youngster told ABC via AS. 'Among professionals we know very well what there is. There are codes that you do not know.

'Karim and I are not only teammates on the same team, which is already a lot. We are professionals and we know how things work. My relationship with Karim is excellent.'

The transition from South American to European football is not always a straightforward one, and the attacker admitted he has a lot to add to his raw talent.

The Brazilian has scored seven goals and provided one assist in his 53 appearances for the LaLiga champions, a modest tally for a player with such high expectations.

'Dribbling is in my blood, it's my style since I was little,' he added. 'I have always liked speed and one on one to look for pass situations to my team-mate.

'When I arrived at Madrid I knew that I was going to have to add other things to my football.'

Vinicius had previously insisted that, despite the revealing footage, Benzema is one of his best friends at the Spanish club, and that the opinions of those closest to him matter most.

'I have a good relationship with Benzema,' he added. 'Also Lucas Vazquez. I talk a lot with them off the field. There's also [Luka] Modric, who I sit with at lunchtime,' he told YouTube channel Desimpedidos.

'I always think about those who want the best for me - family, people at the club, colleagues like Marcelo and Casemiro, the type who put me on the right path.

'It is all part of being a member of the biggest club in the world. When we lose they talk about us, and when we win it is something else.'