Real newcomer Diomande: "I'm ready to die for Mourinho"

Yan Diomande recently moved to Real Madrid from RB Leipzig for 125 million euros (+15 million euros in potential bonuses).

Now, the 19-year-old has spoken extensively for the first time about his move to the Spanish capital.

"I'm happy to be here. It still feels like a dream," Diomande gushed to "SportyTV". For him, the move was almost unbelievable, as there is no bigger club than Real Madrid.

"When I heard they wanted me, I couldn't sleep anymore. I couldn't believe it," said the Ivorian.

"When Real Madrid calls you, you don't say no"

At five in the morning, Mourinho personally called to convince him to make the move. The star coach's French language skills surprised Diomande.

"I told him: 'If you want me to come, then of course I'll come'," said the record departure from Leipzig.

Mourinho's aura was palpable from day one, the 19-year-old said: "When you play for Mourinho, you want to die for Mourinho. You know his character and what he's like. Everyone wants to die for him. We are ready to die for him."

Advice from Didier Drogba

Didier Drogba, national hero of Ivory Coast and Diomande's compatriot, played four seasons under Mourinho at Chelsea FC. During that time, he won five titles with the Portuguese.

Diomande himself asked Drogba for his opinion: "He told me that Mourinho was like a father to him. He said I had to work hard. Drogba is a good guy. And of course, you listen to him because he was and still is a legend."

Real Madrid and Diomande will play their first competitive match on Saturday, against Espanyol Barcelona in LaLiga.