Zidane: Real Madrid came close to signing Mbappe before his chose Monaco

Posted Saturday, March 18, 2017 by squawka.com

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has revealed that the Spanish club came close to signing wonderkid Kylian Mbappe in 2013.

Mbappe is now thriving at Monaco, with the 18-year-old striker having made a tremendous impact this season that has seen him score 17 times in 31 games across all competitions, including two goals in the Champions League. Meanwhile, this week he earned his first call-up to the France senior squad.

However, Mbappe's career path could have been very different as he almost joined Real when he left AS Bondy.

As reported by goal, Zidane said: "He almost signed for Real Madrid but then he went to Monaco.

"I can't speak about this. We know he's a good player, what he's doing at his age is fantastic, but that's it. What I'm interested in is what we are going to do tomorrow. But he was about to sign here, yes.

Widely seen as one of the most exciting young talents in world football, Mbappe possesses pace and flair in abundance.

Part of an extremely exciting batch of players at Monaco, the prospect has created 17 chances in Ligue 1 this season, while he has an impressive average shot accuracy of 73%.

Mbappe's excellent displays this season have captured worldwide attention and it would be hugely surprising if there weren't bids for his services from high-profile clubs this summer.

The starlet will hope to help Monaco win the Ligue 1 title this season, with Leonardo Jardim's side currently top of the table, three points clear of their closest challengers Paris Saint-Germain.