Real Madrid News
Mariano reflects on Real Madrid stint: “Learnt from Benzema and all my teammates”
Mariano Diaz was one of many Real Madrid players who left Santiago Bernabeu during the summer transfer window.
The striker joined Sevilla on a free transfer, after a poor return spell at Real Madrid. His exit was hardly surprising, as the player barely played a key role in the team over the past four years.
In a recent media interaction, Mariano Diaz talked about his Real Madrid exit, among other things.
Mariano Diaz on his Real Madrid return
Mariano Diaz returned to Real Madrid in the summer of 2018, which coincided with the exit of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Diaz was coming on the back of an excellent spell at Olympique Lyon, where he had racked up 21 goals in less than 50 competitive appearances.
Although the forward did not make much of an impact upon his return to Bernabeu, he does not regret the decision to come back.
“I made that decision at the time, regardless of whether Cristiano had left or the players who were there. That decision was made to go back there and I’m certainly not having any regrets,” he said in an interview with Diario de Sevilla.
Diaz, though, is happy with his life at Sevilla. “At the end of the day, I’m very happy now to be able to play for Sevilla, which is my objective,” he added.
Diaz on his learning curve at Real Madrid
Explaining his lack of playing time at Real Madrid, Diaz added: “Yes, there was a little bit of everything. Surely the high competition, the lack of opportunities, the lack of continuity… At some key moments, there was an injury…”
Despite his struggles at the Bernabeu, Mariano Diaz was asked about his learning curve in the Spanish capital.
“I’ve learnt from all my teammates, from Benzema as well as from others… In training, in the matches I’ve played in…. You always learn things, movements… From everyone,” he said.
For now, though, Diaz is more focused on his current mission at Sevilla. He is yet to feature in a single game for the Nervionenses, but it will be interesting to whether or not he can revive his career at Sanchez Pizjuan.
Real Madrid News
Bellingham on his special assist in Girona 0-3 Real Madrid: “Been watching Luka every day”
Real Madrid usurped the top spot in the La Liga standings from arch-rivals FC Barcelona as they defeated Girona 3-0 away at Estadi Montilivi.
It was a fine performance from Carlo Ancelotti’s men against Michel’s side, with the returning Jude Bellingham leading the way for his team.
After being benched against Las Palmas in midweek, the England international returned to the starting XI today and turned in yet another Man of the Match display for Real Madrid.
It all started with Joselu opening the scoring just 15 minutes into the game, with Bellingham assisting the goal with a special, outside-of-the-boot pass from the left side, bringing back memories of Luka Modric doing something similar a few years ago.
Talking about that special pass, Bellingham said: “I’ve been watching Luka every day for months. I just want to be creative. It took the pressure off us at the start.”
On the match and the result, the 20-year-old stated that it was a good day across the board for Real Madrid, as he said: “It was an important win. They were doing very well. We made a statement of intent to La Liga. Three goals, a clean sheet….”
It has been a truly remarkable start to life at Real Madrid for Bellingham and expressing how he feels to play for the Merengues, he exclaimed:
“I feel very good. I have freedom of movement and I’m enjoying football. Whenever I put on this shirt I always try to do my best.”
Apart from assisting Joselu’s opener, Bellingham also got his name on the scoresheet in the second period. Talking about his goal, the wonderkid said:
“It wasn’t a very good finish. I could have scored some more, but the important thing is the victory.”
The strike meant that Bellingham now has seven goals and two assists across all competitions for Real Madrid. Reflecting on his brilliant start, he said:
“It’s a good start, not bad. I would like to continue on this path and I won’t always score or assist, but I will always give my best.”
Bellingham’s celebration has been a huge hit, with kids in school, players from other clubs, and many others mimicking it. When asked how his special celebration originated, he replied:
“I don’t know where I first celebrated. I think it was with Birmingham. It’s an inspiration to see kids doing it in schools. It’s a wonderful thing.”
Source: AS
