Real Madrid attacker issues update on contract renewal – ‘Always wanted to be here’ | OneFootball

As Real Madrid get set to take on Al-Hilal in their first match of the FIFA Club World Cup tomorrow in the USA, versatile forward Brahim Diaz spoke to the media before the team’s training session.

The 25-year-old attacker has been in the news of late with reports suggesting that he is set to sign a new contract with Los Blancos.

In fact, earlier today it was claimed that a full agreement had been reached over a new five-year deal for the Moroccan international.

When asked how his renewal was progressing, Brahim all but confirmed that the deal is as good as done, saying:

“I have always wanted to be here. I’ve always made it clear that I wanted to succeed at Real Madrid. Madrid is always Madrid.”

On the team, new manager and new signings

Brahim also discussed how the team was shaping up ahead of their Group H opener against Al-Hilal tomorrow, as he said:

“Very happy, looking forward to this, with a lot of ambition. It’s the first Club World Cup and Madrid is always there to make history.

“We want to continue to extend the history that Real Madrid has. This will be another title to add to our trophy cabinet if everything goes well.”

The former Manchester City starlet then shared his initial impressions of working under new manager Xabi Alonso and how his experience has been so far.

“He still has the same quality and the same passing as when he was playing. He gets in there to play and he still looks like one more. He still has years left to play, I think,” said Brahim.

“He still has that intensity, both when he plays and as a coach, that desire to get the best out of him. We are very happy with him. He knows Madrid very well, because he has played here and he knows how demanding the club is.”

On whether he has spoken individually with the manager, the attacker added: “He’s close and talks to everyone, that’s positive. Whatever I have spoken to him stays between us.

“I am very happy to be training with him and that he is here. Let’s hope he gives many titles to Real Madrid, the best.”

Ready for the Club World Cup. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Brahim then spoke highly of Real Madrid’s new signing Dean Huijsen, praising the young defender’s qualities.

“A good addition. We have already seen what he can give. He has a great touch, a great pass, a good vision and I’m sure he will give a lot to this club,” he said.

On Franco Mastantuono, Brahim added: “I’ve seen something, but not much. He seems to have a great talent, a very good left foot, and he will bring a lot to us. We are waiting for him.”

On the Club World Cup

Brahim then spoke about Real Madrid’s opponents for tomorrow, Al-Hilal, and what they can expect from the Saudi Arabian outfit.

“They look like a good rival. They have players who have played in Europe, so they know how we play. We’ll see how it goes. I know the goalkeeper [Bono] quite well… So let’s see if I can score a goal against him,” he said.

On Sergio Ramos saying Real Madrid were the favourites to win the FIFA Club World Cup, the versatile attacker remarked:

“It’s not for the sake of it, but Madrid are always favourites. We have ambition and they are the best club in the world, they have to win everything they play for.

“But it’s obvious that there are great teams and we will have to compete very well to win the Club World Cup, which is not easy.”

On whether it adds more pressure on Real Madrid to win, he replied: “There is always pressure, this is Real Madrid, the demand is maximum and you have to win everything you play.

“It’s a Club World Cup, the best in the world are there and we are there to give our best to win it. There is pressure, but it’s the good kind, the kind that we like, the kind that Real Madrid is, the kind that the club demands.”

The Moroccan also spoke about club president Florentino Perez flying to the USA to support the team, saying:

“The president is a great man. We are very happy that he has arrived, because he always shows us his affection and support. It’s a great pleasure to have him here.”

Source: AS