Raphael Varane admits his time with Real Madrid has always been tied to Zinedine Zidane.

The France defender says Zidane was key to his original decision to join Real when leaving Lens.

Varane said: "When Zizou called me, it was a rather eventful period and I was focused on a period of exams and avoiding relegation to the second division with Lens.

"It was a night when I was a little tired and I did not recognize him at first. When I recognized him, I was a little stressed and I asked him very politely that we meet at another time. It's a funny anecdote that marks my career.

"Since then, I'm lucky to have him as a coach."