Mariano grateful to Lopetegui for Real Madrid return

Julen Lopetegui's time at Real Madrid ended on an undignified note, but he leaves with Mariano Diaz's respect.

Real Madrid striker Mariano Diaz.

Mariano Diaz has thanked Julen Lopetegui for giving him a second chance at Real Madrid following a swift end to the beleaguered coach's ill-fated tenure.

Lopetegui was sacked just over 24 hours after Sunday's humiliating 5-1 El Clasico loss to Barcelona. The ex-Spain boss lasted 14 matches in total, with the failure to adequately replace Cristiano Ronaldo contributing to his downfall.

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Mariano, 25, was the most senior attacker recruited in the wake of Ronaldo's departure and expressed appreciation to the man who brought him back from Lyon, where he spent a single season.

 

Mariano's only goal since returning to Spain came in the 3-0 win over Roma in the Champions League that will be remembered as one of precious few Lopetegui highlights. Ex-Madrid midfielder Santiago Solari has taken charge of the European champion on an interim basis.