Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has admitted that he is "in love" with Kylian Mbappe amid rumours of the Paris Saint-Germain forward moving to the Bernabeu next summer.
Reports state that Mbappe will consider leaving the Parc des Princes should Thomas Tuchel's side once again fall short in the Champions League this season.
Zidane has previously irked the PSG hierarchy by suggesting that it would be a "dream" for Mbappe to join Los Blancos.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Real's meeting with PSG in the Champions League, Zidane told ESPN: "I've known him for a long time. I've been in love with him for a long time, but as a person first.
"He came here for a trial a long time ago. Tomorrow he comes here as an opponent.
"What's important to me is what we are going to do. We know the player he is and his importance to his team. We have to be ready."
PSG are reportedly working hard on preparing a new contract for Mbappe in order to stave off interest from the La Liga club.
The Ligue 1 champions are said to have placed particular emphasis on tying Mbappe down on a long-term deal, having resigned themselves to losing Neymar next summer.
Leo Nieboer
