Yan Diomande opens up on joining Real Madrid: ‘When they call you, you can’t say no’

Yan Diomande is now Real Madrid’s most expensive signing of all time, and the club’s decision to splash €140 million on his arrival speaks volumes about how highly they rate him.

The youngster arrives to reinforce the club’s right-wing department – a position they have suffered in for a long time now without a natural option.

His debut was initially expected for tomorrow when the team play their penultimate pre-season friendly.

However, he has been excluded from the squad for lacking match fitness, and all signs point to his much-awaited debut coming at the weekend in the team’s final pre-season game.

Diomande speaks out

The new Real Madrid signing spoke to Real Madrid TV earlier this week where he was asked about a plethora of topics related to his transfer and new club.

He first began by explaining how Real Madrid was always his dream club and how it felt to fulfil that dream.

“I am proud and happy because this was my dream. When I was a child I wanted to play for the biggest clubs in the world. I am grateful to be here and I am happy and proud. I want my family to be proud of me.”

“This is the biggest club in the world and everyone wants to come here. I am grateful to be here and I want to share my happiness with everyone. I want to be part of the team’s triumphs,” he added.

Mourinho played a big role in Diomande’s arrival. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)

The Ivory Coast international then went on to thank the manager Jose Mourinho who personally pushed for the transfer and also the board for going through with the transaction.

“I want to thank the coach because we had a conversation before and I’m here thanks to him and the club, of course.”

“I’m happy. Thank you for this signing and thank you to the club and the coach for believing in me,” he added.

The youngster was then asked about the teammates he interacted with in the dressing room and what he hoped to learn from his peers.

“It’s always good to have great players in the locker room. You learn from them. As I said, I saw them on TV and today we share the same wardrobe. It’s incredible.”

Stepping into Real Madrid, the winger will now be held against much higher standards given the sky-high expectations from the club. Speaking on the same, he said,

“It’s different. This is harder. It’s normal because it’s the biggest club. You need to work harder than in other clubs to be the best in the world. And that’s what I’m trying to do.”

Diomande could make his debut this weekend. (Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website)

Diomande then opened up on his personality and admitted how he was as a person off the field.

“I’m a little shy to talk and I want to learn the dynamics of the team to help achieve many successes together.”

Towards the end of his interview, the club’s most expensive signing was asked why he chose to sign for Real Madrid, especially given that he had a deal agreed with PSG much prior.

“Because it’s the best club in the world. When Madrid calls you, you can’t say no. It’s that simple.”

Finally, he was asked to confess his ambitions with the club and all that he aimed to conquer while defending the Real Madrid crest.

“Have many successes with the club and help the team win everything. I am very happy to be here and I hope to have a lot of success in the team. Hala Madrid!”