Mariano Diaz Takes Madrid

By Joshua Walters

Real Madrid have handed striker Mariano Diaz the club’s iconic number-seven jersey following the player’s return to the Bernabeu Stadium from Olympic Lyon.

Mariano Diaz graduated from the Real Madrid academy, but was shipped to France last season after failing to hold down a regular place in the first team.

The Spanish-born Dominican Republic striker impressed at Olympic Lyon, scoring 21 goals in 45 games, causing Real Madrid to hijack his move to Sevilla and return him to the club.

The European champions went further to demonstrate their confidence in the 25-year old on Friday when they handed him the club’s iconic number-7 which was vacated by Cristiano Ronaldo this summer.

The club published a video of the unveiling of the player on their website on Friday, and Mariano’s face was all smiles as he received the shirt that has been worn by legends Luis Figo and Raul.