It has been a few years since Mariano Diaz left Real Madrid to join Sevilla after failing to perform in his second stint at the Bernabeu.
Currently plying his trade for Alaves, Diaz recently sat down with Guillermo Rai for an interview, where he talked about his time at Real Madrid, his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo, among other things.
Diaz also had an advice for Real Madrid frontman Endrick, who is struggling at the club and could potentially leave in the January transfer window.
Mariano Diaz’s advice to Endrick
Drawing from his own unique journey, the Dominican international has offered some candid advice to the Brazilian international.
“If Endrick ends up leaving, or any player who barely has minutes, I would just tell him to enjoy. That he values what it means to be a starter,” he said.
“It’s the best thing that can happen to you. When they really trust you, when you start, that’s when you can show your full potential,” he added.
Diaz added that a loan move away from Real Madrid could help Endrick unlock his true potential.
“It’s not the same to jump on the field for a few minutes every few games. In such a short time it is impossible to demonstrate what you are capable of. But if Endrick is on loan, nothing prevents him from returning to Madrid later,” he said.
Mariano Diaz, Former Real Madrid striker
Mariano’s second stint at Real Madrid didn’t go as planned. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Bongarts/Getty Images)
Diaz on Cristiano Ronaldo
Mariano Diaz also talked about Cristiano Ronaldo, his former teammate at Real Madrid.
Diaz spoke glowingly about the impact the Portuguese legend had on his professional habits, crediting him with setting the standard for everything off the pitch.
“Cristiano Ronaldo taught me a lot. Routines, punctuality, care, how to train, how to recover, how to prepare a game… everything. And also what it means to keep your word,” he said.
Mariano’s career is defined by his 2018 return to Madrid, where he famously inherited Ronaldo’s vacated No. 7 shirt.
Talking about the opportunity, he said, “I couldn’t say no. They told me that this time it would be different, that I would have more minutes. That was one of the reasons I returned.”
“The number ‘7’ is probably the most iconic number of the club. It has been worn by players such as Raúl, Cristiano. Legends. I was proud to show it off, but I also felt a lot of pressure. I wasn’t going to replace Cristiano, but the role was still huge,” he added.
Ultimately, Mariano’s second spell did not go as planned, leading to his eventual exit. While the forward admitted Real Madrid are the biggest club in the world, he believes there is a life outside the Bernabeu.
“Real Madrid is the biggest club in the world, but not everyone can make a place there. And yes, there is life beyond,” he concluded.