Mariano Diaz is delighted to have rejoined Real Madrid and insists he can handle the pressure of being the club’s number seven.

All-time record scorer Cristiano Ronaldo vacated the number seven shirt when he departed for Juventus during the summer transfer window, while Spanish legend Raul has also been Real’s number seven.

Mariano rejoined Real from Lyon this summer and could make his second debut for Los Blancos when they head to Athletic Bilbao on Saturday, and the forward is relishing the prospect of representing the Madrid giants again.

“It is an honour for me to wear this shirt number at this club,” Mariano told Cadena Cope.

“It was free when I arrived and it is a number I like, now it is a challenge to match what has been achieved with it by stars like Amancio [Amaro], Juanito, [Emilio] Butragueno, Raul and Cristiano, of course.

“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.”

Real are 1.60 to claim a win at Bilbao on Saturday and the Bernabeu club can be backed at 2.63 to win the La Liga title outright.