Didac Aguirre From inheriting Cristiano Ronaldo's 'throne' to signing with a LaLiga club
The former Real Madrid footballer who has managed to sign a contract to return to LaLiga
Since his departure from Real Madrid in 2018, there has been a widespread search for a worthy heir to Cristiano Ronaldo. One of the footballers who had the honor of inheriting Cristiano's number 7 jersey was Mariano Díaz. A striker who, as we know at Defensa Central, has just signed to become a new Deportivo Alavés player.
The former Real Madrid footballer did not have a great spell with the Merengue team. Despite the expectations placed on him, Mariano never managed to show the quality he had in the youth academy. Even with the honor of wearing Cristiano Ronaldo's number 7, the Dominican striker never managed to fill the huge gap left by the Portuguese legend.
Despite having been without a club for a full season, Mariano has returned. After his great performance in Alavés's training sessions, the club has decided to sign him. A move that, of course, ensures that Mariano will have to play against Real Madrid.
Mariano's return
Trained in the youth academies of Badalona and Real Madrid, Mariano made the leap to the Merengue first team in 2016. A big step for a footballer who, just one season later, was loaned to Olympique de Lyon. With the club's goal of having the footballer gain experience at the elite level, he achieved exactly that by becoming the star of the French club.
Upon his return, Mariano kept 7 seasons at Real Madrid with the legendary number 7 jersey. Unfortunately, his level never managed to meet the expectations of the club and the fans. In 84 matches played with Real Madrid, Mariano only managed to score 12 goals and 3 assists.
A performance that led him to Sevilla, where he did not manage to reconnect with his best version. At 32 years old, Mariano has what is probably his last chance to shine. Alavés, looking ahead to next season, has decided to trust the one who was Cristiano Ronaldo's heir.
Doubts about Mariano
Despite this great opportunity, it remains to be seen whether Mariano will finally manage to rise to the occasion. Having spent a season without playing professionally may have affected his performance. The only way to know for sure is as the season progresses.
More posts: