Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe says a “mentality issue” prevented him from finding his best form earlier this season.

The France captain, 26, joined Real on a free transfer last June after leaving Paris St-Germain.

But he struggled in the early months following his move, at one point scoring just three times in 11 appearances.

That run included penalty misses against Liverpool in the Champions League and Athletic Bilbao in La Liga, with Madrid losing both matches.

“I believe it was a mentality issue and that was a point I realised that I had to work harder,” said Mbappe.

Since the defeat by Bilbao on 4 December, Mbappe has scored eight goals in 10 appearances in all competitions.