Former Real Madrid striker Mariano clinches contract with Alaves

MADRID, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- Former Real Madrid and Olympique Lyon striker Mariano Diaz has signed a two-year contract with Spanish La Liga side Deportivo Alaves.

The club from the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz (northern Spain) has signed the 32-year-old after a successful spell on trial during pre-season, which saw him net two goals in three matches.

"I am going to give everything, fight every game and fight for every ball," said Mariano in declarations on the club's X site.

"Having the chance to train here was great news and the welcome has been wonderful, this is like a family and I am proud to be part of the club," he added.

The move means a return to football for the international with the Dominican Republic who was without a team last season after a difficult campaign with Sevilla, which saw him fail to score in 13 appearances.

"It has been hard to be without a club, but it gives you hunger to return and to take your opportunity," explained the striker.

Mariano began his career in the Real Madrid youth system, scoring 34 goals for the B-team before being promoted to the first team, where he netted five goals in his debut campaign.

He spent the 2017-18 campaign at Lyon, scoring 21 goals, which prompted Real Madrid to buy him back. He went on to make 84 appearances, scoring 12 goals over five years, although he was limited to a bit-part role. ■