Daily Times

Ronaldo is irreplaceable and that is the reason why Manchester United are still struggling to fill the gap which he left. But Real Madrid on the other side believes that Mariano Diaz can replace Ronaldo at Madrid and that’s why he is granted the iconic No.7 jersey.

Mariano who is still to play his first match at Madrid was quite pleased and excited to wear the iconic No.7 shirt which is previously worn by great names like Raul and Ronaldo. Talking about the iconic jersey he said “I don’t think it matters much. Does it add some pressure? Sure. But it was free and it’s a number I like and a challenge for me. I’m happy to wear that number after so many legends like Amancio, Juanito, Butrageuno, Raul… I saw them play when I was young. Ronaldo, sure it was free for someone to take, every Madrid fan knows it and they asked me what number I was going to take. I imagine somebody else could’ve taken it, I don’t know if they wanted to but I don’t think they don’t dare to take it, there are some quality players who could wear the 7 here as well.”

He further talked on the speculations of Asensio stealing the No.7 as Asensio in his recent interview indicated that he wants to change his number.

“He didn’t say anything about it and I’ve been talking with him lately. I congratulated him for the two golazos he scored. We really get along, he’s a very good friend. What would I do if he asked me to change numbers? Well I don’t know, it’s not a huge deal. So much people talked to me about it, saying I should not take it, telling me that it brings pressure with it… Everything. I’m not thinking about it all I’m thinking of is training every single day so that I can play minutes Marciano added.

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When asked about his place in the first team he said that Lopetegui is watching him closely and he is doing his best to be in Lopetegui’s plans.

“I don’t know when I’ll make my debut. I work so that it can be as soon as possible. I will just keep working hard. Lopegegui told me to keep doing what I’m doing right now.” He said.