Mariano spoke exclusively in an interview which will be aired later tonight on Movistar Fútbol’s Fiebre Maldini programme. The striker says he is happy with his new life in Lyon but hasn’t closed the door on the chance of returning to Real Madrid one day in the future.

“Right now I haven’t considered a move anywhere else. I am at Olympique – the team which had faith in me right from the start and I’m very happy here”, Mariano, who has scored 13 goals for Olympique Lyonnais this season, explained. “We decided – between the club, the coach and myself that the best option for me was to leave to gain regular playing time but I’ll never close the door on Real Madrid. My dream right now is to play for Spain and I’m going to try my best to get a call-up – that’s what I’ve been doing. Playing at the World Cup would be incredible; that would be a dream come true for me”.