Kylian Mbappe reveals how 'idols' Cristiano Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane inspired him to make 'dream' Real Madrid move - and explains why he didn't join Spanish giants at the age of 13

Mbappe nearly joined Madrid in 2022 before eventually making the move two years later - but has now said he was close to signing for the club as a child, too. And he has revealed it was his idolisation of those two players in particular that sparked his love for the club.

Mbappe said: "I live a dream every day to play here. Zidane was my idol, I started because of him. This club has an aura, it's the best in the world. Since Cristiano arrived I followed every game; he was my other idol. I met Zidane here when I was 13. I spent a week in Valdebebas and could only speak to Zidane because I didn't speak any other language than French. There were opportunities to stay but it wasn't possible because of my family. I couldn't come alone."

After a quiet start, Mbappe has flourished at Madrid. He has scored 33 goals in 51 appearances this season and is the second-top scorer in La Liga behind Robert Lewandowski.

Mbappe is set to lead the line for Real Madrid at Arsenal on Tuesday in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final. That game is followed by a trip to Alaves at the weekend, followed by the reverse leg against the Gunners in Madrid.