Diomande: Real Madrid Move Is the Fulfillment of a Childhood Dream

Yan Diomande has delivered his first message as a Real Madrid player after completing his move from RB Leipzig. The Ivorian winger used his Instagram page to thank his former club and make no secret of what the transfer means to him personally. Diomande recalled that RB Leipzig took a chance on him only a year ago, when he had just a handful of professional appearances. That show of faith, he said, helped him earn a regular place in one of Europe's top leagues, break into the Ivory Coast national team and appear at the World Cup. "Moving to Real Madrid is the fulfillment of a childhood dream," he wrote. He also praised the RB Leipzig hierarchy for allowing the switch to happen while he was still under contract. The winger had warm words for the club's supporters, saying their passion and belief in him from the very beginning meant more than he could put into words. He promised to keep following RB Leipzig's progress and left the door open for a future meeting in the Champions League. Earlier reports said Real Madrid has extended Vinícius's contract until 2032.