Gerard Lopez has had a difficult task as he has tried to put a squad together for Catalonia's upcoming fixture against Venezuela, as several clubs wouldn't allow their players to go as they called for focus on the business end of the season.
One of the players who decided to decline the invitation of his own accord was Real Madrid's Mariano Diaz.
Although he appreciated the interest, the striker preferred to stay in the capital and to train with his club ahead of the final stretch of the 2018/19 season.
The Spanish- Dominican was born in Catalonia and represented Catalan clubs Badalona, Premia de Mar and Espanyol during his youth career.
Having only played 49 minutes in 2019, he didn't want to risk another injury in this friendly match.
There is also the fact that his participation may not have gone down well with some Real Madrid fans.
Even if he had wanted to go, Real Madrid could still have denied him permission to attend as they have a training session on the day of the match, which takes place next Monday.
EmbraceStarboy
59
I think he denied his only chance of playing full 90minutes this season๐๐
Elsa98
49
The Los blancos club had high hopes he'd be a direct replacement for cristiano ronaldo, but he's struggled to establish a role in the side.๐คฆ๐ปโโ๏ธ
ABDULFATAI ADESANYA
40
This Catalonia are not ready to give up, they are trying all possible best just to gain independent by all means. They usually organise a football match as a strategy for the whole world to recognise them as a nation. It will be difficult for them to gain that because Spain economy is very strong and stable. Even if they won independent, for instance what name will be given to their league? Catalonia League? And again Barcelona, Espayon, Girona and so on will no longer participate in La Liga and it will affect Barcelona CF badly. This is what Gerad Pique is fighting for so that to become Catalonia president. ๐๐๐
Vasadmorst
40
no Real Madrid player who can play for Catalonia.......! cuz Barca & Real Madrid itx not juxt football but politics though