Diomande: Couldn't sleep after Real Madrid offer; Mourinho's Charisma will help me grow

This week, Jan-Diomande accepted an exclusive interview with Sporty TV. In the first part of the interview (which we divided into three parts due to its length), he talked about how he felt when he learned that Real Madrid wanted to sign him and his views on Mourinho.

Is this your new home, and will history be written by you here?

Yes, that's right, this is my new home, and I am very happy to be here, happy to be part of the team. This has been my dream place for a long time, and now that my dream has come true, I am incredibly happy.

Looking at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium from the outside, the scene is spectacular. What do you feel inside when you see it with your own eyes?

Yes, I've never been inside since the stadium renovation, and the thought of playing here and scoring my first goal is exciting.

After playing for Leganés and Leipzig, you're now back in Madrid, joining Real Madrid. How do you feel now?

Extremely proud, and of course, very happy. My dream has come true, and I am overjoyed.

I can totally imagine, about 14 months ago, I interviewed you in Butarque, after you played against Barcelona, and you told me one thing: "I want to be the best player in the world." Since then, you went to Leipzig in the Bundesliga, and now you're at Real Madrid. If the you from 14 months ago heard all this today, would you believe it?

Of course I would, of course. I still want to be the best player in the world, that has been my goal from the beginning, and it has never changed. I will work hard day after day to pursue my dream.

I can feel your immense confidence

Yes, of course.

One must have confidence

Yes, one must have confidence, but also remain humble. I am confident and I have always strived for it.

Tell me, how did you feel when you learned that Real Madrid wanted to sign you?

It felt like a dream. There's no bigger club than Real Madrid. When Real Madrid comes knocking and tells you they want you, it's like a beautiful dream. I couldn't sleep all night, couldn't believe it was real, and now, I'm standing here, incredibly happy and full of pride.

Who was the first person you contacted after hearing the news?

I first spoke to the sporting director on the phone, and then to President Florentino. It was interesting, he speaks French. It was about 5 AM in Portugal, and he specifically got up to talk to me, telling me I was important to the team. I immediately agreed; when Real Madrid makes you an offer, you can't refuse.

At 5 AM, you picked up the phone immediately

Yes, I picked it up right away. I said, if the club needs me, I will definitely come. His French is very good, better than my agent's French.

It must feel good to communicate with someone who speaks your language. You arrived in Madrid a week ago. What was the first thing Mourinho said to you when you met him?

He told me: "You will be a member of my team, welcome." I replied that I was honored to join his team, and I longed to play under him. He is the best coach.

You said he is the best coach. As is well known, he is a famous coach with many honors, having coached several top clubs. What do you think you can learn from him?

I can learn a lot. I am still young, and he has great charisma, which is very valuable for young players. Young people can sometimes be easily distracted, and I think he is the right coach for me, able to help me continue to grow.

AF's PC site is now live! Browse full news, comments, match details and stats on your computer. Visit: www.allfootballapp.com