Mariano: "Going back to Madrid would be incredible"
The Olympique Lyonnais forward, who is flourishing in Ligue 1, hopes to work his way into Julen Lopetegui's squad for the World Cup in Russia.
Mariano Díaz has become a star in his own right after leaving Real Madrid for Lyon last summer, scoring 18 goals this season for his new club, 16 of them in the league as the French side seek to secure a Champions League spot for next season.
The striker gave an interview on Spanish radio during which he discussed his experience in Ligue 1, the World Cup and his former club, who he tipped to win the Champions League this season.
“I’d lean towards Real Madrid. Manchester City are doing well in the Premier League and Europe but we’ll have to see what happens when they come up against a big club,” the 24-year-old said.
Mariano: "I hope I get a call-up for Spain"
Mariano also spoke about his desire to get into the Spain squad for the World Cup in Russia. Having represented the Dominican Republic in a friendly, Mariano later turned down the chance to make a competitive appearance with a view to receiving a call from Julen Lopetegui.
“I came to France to be an important player and it would be a huge honour for me to get into a Spain squad. I hope that it happens but the other strikers have been playing well for longer than me, I’m just starting out.”
Mariano was also asked if he has unfinished business at Madrid, who have struggled for goals at times this season after his departure and that of Álvaro Morata: “I have a five-year contract at Lyon but going back to Madrid would be incredible, although at the time I decided that the best thing was to leave the club.”
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