Antonio Banderas has said he will always love Melanie Griffith, despite the end of their 18-year marriage.

Actress Melanie, 57, filed for divorce from the 54-year-old Spanish actor in May 2014, citing irreconcilable differences.

Antonio has now opened up to Spanish TV show El Hormiguero for the first time since the split, while promoting his new sci-fi flick Automata, according to E! News.

(William Conran/PA)
The couple were married for 18 years (William Conran/PA)

“It’s been an intense year… Life goes on,” the Shrek star said.

“I admire and respect Melanie first and foremost as a great actress. I have always said that. That’s why she is in the movie. And she’s also the person that I loved, that I love, and will always love.”

The couple first worked together on the set of the 1995 romantic comedy Two Much. They married in 1996 and have an 18-year-old daughter, Stella.

(ABACA PRESS/ABACA)
Melanie has Antonio’s name tattooed in a heart on her arm (ABACA PRESS/ABACA)

A few months after they announced their separation, Antonio went public with Dutch investment consultant Nicole Kimpel, who is 20 years his junior.

He recently told The Olive Press: “We are in the process of getting to know each other. She is shy and doesn’t have anything to do with my work, which is no bad thing.”