Marco Asensio wants it, Mariano Diaz has it, and the latter has little intention of giving it up anytime soon.

Indeed, Mariano has spoken of his “honour” in wearing Real Madrid’s treasured number seven shirt.

Los Blancos re-signed the 25-year-old striker last month after impressing for Lyon last season following his Bernabeu exit in 2017.

And after rejoining the club, he quickly pounced on the vacant number seven shirt vacated by Cristiano Ronaldo after his departure to Juventus in the summer.

The Spanish striker, who also revealed Sevilla chase his signature in the transfer window, spoke of his delight in taking on the shirt after Asensio hinted he wanted the jersey.

“It is an honour for me to wear this shirt number at this club,” Mariano told Cadena Cope. “I work every day to make my debut as soon as possible and now I feel fit and that I am in good condition, I am ready.

“My move was all very fast as you know. The name of Real Madrid makes me very excited because this is what I wanted. Sevilla were in talks with me but they know my team is Madrid, the club I love, and they understand this.”