Incoming Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé was keen to make clear his respect for a long-time member of the club’s midfield ranks, during his negotiations with Los Blancos.
That’s according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, who points towards Luka Modrić as the player in question.
Frontman Mbappé, of course, has taken his place back centre stage in the headlines in Spain’s capital over the course of the last 12 hours.
This comes after the France international’s long-awaited move to Real Madrid was finally made official.
In a series of posts across the club’s website and social media platforms, the La Liga champions announced that Mbappé has put pen to paper on a contract at the Santiago Bernabéu through the summer of 2029.
As confirmed by a host of sources in the hours since, the 25-year-old is set to be handed the no.9 jersey in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for next season.
Mbappé’s preferred shirt number was the 10, but he did not deem it appropriate to even request as much during negotiations with his new club.
That’s according to the aforementioned Fabrizio Romano.
In a show of respect which will no doubt go down a treat amongst those of a Real Madrid persuasion, Mbappé made sure that Blancos icon Luka Modrić would keep hold of his number, for what is expected to be his final season in La Liga.
Conor Laird | GSFN
