Returning to Real Madrid would be incredible – Mariano Diaz

Lyon striker Mariano Diaz has admitted that he would one day love to return to Real Madrid.

The forward has been a hit with the Ligue 1 club, having arrived from the Champions League winners in the summer for a fee of €8 million.

He has scored 18 times in 38 outings, and his form has been such that Madrid have been linked with the possibility of re-signing him.

It is a prospect that excites the 24 -year-old forward.

“I have a five-year contract with Lyon but going back to Madrid would be incredible, even if I decided it was best to leave the club in the summer,” he told Cadena SER. 

Indeed, he even tipped Zinedine Zidane’s men to regain their European crown ahead of Manchester City.

“I prefer Madrid,” he said. “City, both in the Premier League and Champions League, have played at a good level but it will have to be seen how they react when faced with a big club.”

Mariano has his own lofty ambitions, with the forward aiming to be called into the Spain international set up for the first time.

“I went to France to be a big player and for me it would be the realisation of a great dream to be in the Spain squad,” he said. “Of course I hope for it.”

The forward will hope to impress in the Europa League on Thursday. His Lyon side hold a 1-0 advantage over CSKA Moscow ahead of the second leg of their last-16 clash, which will be played in France.