Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith

Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith

Antonio Banderas will "always love" his former wife Melanie Griffith.

The 54-year-old actor split from Melanie, 57, last June after 18 years of marriage stating that they intended to divorce in a "loving and friendly" manner.

Despite their relationship issues, Antonio still cast Melanie in sci-fi film 'Automata' - which he co-produced and also stars in - and he doesn't ever envisage a time in the future where he won't care about her.

During an appearance on Spanish TV show 'El Hormiguero', he said: "It was a hard year. I had lot of work and my private life was also hard, but life goes on. I really admire Melanie as an actress, I have always said that. I have a big respect for her in her career, for that reason she is in the film ('Automate'). She is a person that I loved, I love and I always will love, whatever our status is."

Antonio's comments about the actress are one of the first times he has publicly commented about their break-up, after vowing to keep details of their split private.

He previously stated: "Me and Melanie have agreed that on our divorce were not going to make any comment. It is our agreement and, therefore, there is nothing to say."

Antonio and Melanie have an 18-year-old daughter Stella together.

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