Icardi's character and his inner-circle prevented him from signing for Real Madrid Real Madrid Arrival was discussed in January of both 2017 and 2018

Paris Saint-Germain will arrive at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday evening with Mauro Icardi central to their attacking plans, yet the Argentine could quite easily have been in the home dressing room had it not been for Real Madrid's concerns over his inner-circle and attitude.

For two years, Icardi and his representative did everything possible to try and facilitate a transfer to Los Blancos, but behind the scenes at Valdebebas there were always serious reservations which prevented a deal ever reaching any real traction.

In the winter markets of both 2017 and 2018, Icardi's name was discussed by those in power in the Spanish capital, especially when it was thought that the team lacked a central goalscorer when Karim Benzema lost his form.

A particular meeting in Abu Dhabi in December 2017 is remembered as one where Icardi's arrival was talked about at length by Florentino Perez, Jose Angel Sanchez and Zinedine Zidane.

It came at the same time Los Merengues were trying to secure a Bosman deal for Kepa Arrizabalaga, although Florentino much preferred to offer Athletic Club a transfer fee to ensure relations between the clubs remained cordial.

Scout reports and statistics suggested that Icardi was the pick of available forwards back in December 2017, and the technical department advocated bringing the former Barcelona youth player to Madrid.

However, a counterargument was made regarding the forward's lack of discipline, which eventually contributed to his departure from Inter when Antonio Conte arrived in the summer of 2019.

Icardi's wife, Wanda Nara, a figure of controversy on her own, has gained notoriety for her work as the forward's agent, and was known to be in the Spanish capital on a number of occasions.

Yet, she always found a negative response from Real Madrid who deemed that it would be problematic negotiating with her, and there was a degree of vindication when Nara was centric to the media circus which followed Icardi being stripped of the captaincy in Milan.

Tuesday November 26, 2019 though will see those meetings put firmly in the past, and the focus in Madrid is now stopping the in-form Icardi from scoring against them as Zinedine Zidane's charges look to secure their spot in the knockout phase.