According to Marca, Yan Diomande, the rising star who joined Real Madrid this summer, was interviewed by SportyTV, where he discussed his transfer process, Mourinho's call, and Didier Drogba's advice after learning that he had joined Real Madrid.

Diomande stated that he was “very proud and very happy because I have achieved my dream.” Becoming the best player in the world has always been his goal, and he continues to work towards it. Diomande believes he is both humble and confident. “There is no greater club than Real Madrid. They invested a lot of money in me, but I don’t feel any pressure. Why should I be afraid? I will do my best on the field and leave the rest to God.”

His reaction to joining Real Madrid

Diomande will never forget his reaction when he learned that Real Madrid wanted to sign him: “It was like a dream because there is no greater club than Real Madrid. After hearing the news, I couldn’t sleep all night; I couldn’t believe it. I first spoke to Juni and then to the coach. What surprised me was that he spoke French. Mourinho woke up at 5 am to talk to me, which showed how important I was to him. When Real Madrid calls, you can’t refuse, so I said: ‘If they want me, I will go there.’”

He also recalls Mourinho's first words to him: "When I first joined the team, he told me: 'I promised you that you would be part of my team, and now you are.' I told him: 'I am very happy to work with you because you are the best coach.' I can learn a lot from him; he is the best coach to help me continue developing. I am ready to give my all for him."

In the locker room, Diomande also has a good relationship with Vinicius: “I had spoken to him before. He is the one I am closest to. Mbappé too, because we speak the same language. I get along well with everyone; they are all very friendly to me.”

His connection to Leganés

Notably, Diomande’s professional debut came at the Bernabéu Stadium against Real Madrid: “This is God’s arrangement. I am very religious, and it was such a coincidence. I just want to enjoy every day. My main memory from that game is exchanging jerseys with Mbappé, and now we are laughing together in the same locker room. I will never forget Leganés because it was the only club that gave me the opportunity to show my abilities.”

Before joining Leganés, however, Diomande spent some time in the United States: “That was the right decision. I was young then and had a great time. As an African kid, you don’t have many opportunities to travel. That experience was valuable because I travelled a lot and always played football. I will never forget the path I have taken.”

African Idols

Today, Diomande has become an idol in African football, but other legends preceded him on the continent: “My idols are Yaya Touré and Drogba. I spoke to Drogba two days ago, and he told me that Mourinho is like a father to him and that I should be careful. You have to work hard, but he is a very good person. Drogba was a legend and still is, so you have to listen to his advice. Talking to them is very helpful because I can learn a lot from them. Indeed, I don’t ask too many questions because I am shy. I am still young and must show my personality.”

Finally, Diomande discussed his World Cup experience: "It was a great experience, and it was my first World Cup. We didn't expect to win, but it was a very good tournament. Everyone's enthusiastic support made me want to do better. I am proud to be the youngest player to represent my country at the World Cup. This also motivates me to work harder."

His relationship with his sister

During the World Cup, Diomande publicly shared a letter he had written to his late sister, and his story became widely known: “She pushes me never to give up and to keep working towards my dreams. That was the best time to share this story. Everything I do is for her.”

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