‘Mourinho got up at 5 in the morning’ - Diomande reveals reason for Madrid move

The young winger, who joined after a stellar season in Germany, was left speechless when the legendary coach personally reached out to secure his signature.

Real Madrid agreed to pay €140 million (about £120 million) to Leipzig for the Ivorian winger after several weeks of negotiation.

With his versatility and talent, Diomande is poised to become a key asset for Los Blancos as they aim for dominance in both domestic and European competitions this season.

Speaking for the first time since his record-breaking transfer, Diomande expressed immense pride in joining Real Madrid. 

The 19-year-old, now one of Europe's most sought-after talents, admitted he was stunned by the interest from the La Liga champions. 

"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 rapid ascent has landed him in a star-studded dressing room alongside Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham. 

Despite the immense pressure, Diomande remains grounded yet ambitious. "I am proud and happy because I have made my dream come true," he stated.

A key factor in Diomande's decision was the direct involvement of Mourinho. The "Special One" made a significant effort to make the young star feel wanted, including early morning phone calls to finalise the move. 

"Mourinho got up at 5 in the morning to talk to me. That shows how important he is," Diomande revealed. "When Madrid calls you, you can't say no, so I said, 'If they want me, that's where I'll be.'"