He did not leave the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer even though it looked highly likely he would. Mariano Diaz stayed at Real Madrid because he is convinced he will end up playing and becoming an important member of the squad.
Before the transfer window opened, he assured in an interview with 'Marca' that his intention was to stay at Real Madrid because this season was going to be his year. He has still not made his debut, but he is convinced opportunities will arrive.
The Spanish paper states that Mariano is a brave player who is willing to fight as much as possible. He is aware that the challenge he faces is quite a difficult one, but remains confident because he believes in his ability.
He is not intimidated by the stiff competition. Last term, he was unlucky with injuries and therefore he ruled out the possibility of leaving. He knows that he has an opportunity and that he is capable of taking advantage of it through work and determination.
He will have men like Karim Benzema, Luka Jovic, Eden Hazard, Gareth Bale, Lucas Vazquez and Vinicius ahead of him, but he was motivated by the fact that Zidane picks players based on merit not on their fame. That is why he feels he has a chance.
The Spanish-Dominican striker arrived in the Spanish capital after a very good season in Lyon where he played regularly. In 45 appearances, he scored 21 goals and got five assists. His aim to replicate that form back in 2017-18 now in Madrid, but he knows it will be a tough ask.