Yan Diomande has spoken candidly about his "dream" transfer to Real Madrid, while also revealing just how much respect he already has for Jose Mourinho. The teenage winger moved to the Spanish capital after a remarkable breakthrough season in Germany and admitted he could barely believe it when the legendary manager personally reached out to help bring him to the Bernabeu.Now officially a Real Madrid record signing, Diomande has shared his first thoughts on completing the move, making no secret of how proud he is to have joined the Spanish giants. The 19-year-old emerged as one of the brightest young players in European football, but even he was taken aback when Madrid showed serious interest.African record breaker: Diomande finally in Real Madrid!"It was like a dream because there is no bigger club," Diomande told SportyTV. "From the moment I found out, I couldn't sleep. I couldn't believe it. I spoke with Juni Calafat and then I spoke with the coach. I was surprised because he spoke French."The Ivorian's rise has been remarkably quick, and he will now share the Real Madrid dressing room with global stars such as Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham. Despite stepping into one of football's biggest environments, Diomande insists he remains focused while relishing the opportunity, saying he is proud and happy because he have made his dream come true.Mourinho's personal involvement also played an important role in convincing the youngster to make the move. The Portuguese coach reportedly made considerable efforts to establish a connection with Diomande, even calling him in the early hours of the morning because of the time difference.##EDITORS_CHOICE##"Mourinho got up at 5 in the morning to talk to me. That means he is important," Diomande revealed. "When Madrid calls you, you can't say no, so I said: 'If they want me, that's where I'll be'."The pair's bond appeared to strengthen immediately after Diomande arrived in Madrid. Recalling their first conversation, the winger said: "As soon as I arrived, he told me: 'I promised you that you were going to be part of my team, and here you are.' And I told him: 'I’m happy to work with you because you are the best.' I can learn a lot from him; he is the right coach to continue my development. I am ready to die for him."🚨🚨🗣️| Yan Diomandé on José Mourinho: "When you play for José Mourinho, you want to DIE for him.I am READY TO DIE FOR HIM." 🔥 pic.twitter.com/gvqZ4cqDfg— Stake Football (@StakeFootball) August 20, 2026 t>Diomande's journey to Real Madrid also carries a special sense of destiny. His first professional appearance came at the Bernabeu during his time with Leganes, the club that gave him his first opportunity to establish himself in senior football."It is God's doing. I believe a lot in God," Diomande added. "It has been quite a coincidence. I just want to enjoy every day. From that match I remember swapping shirts with Mbappe, and today we are in the same dressing room laughing together. I will never forget Leganes because it was the only club that gave me the opportunity to show my quality".His ability to operate in several attacking positions could prove particularly valuable to Los Blancos, with Diomande expected to play an important role as Real Madrid pursue domestic and European success in the new campaign.##NAJAVA_MECA_9907070##
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