Mayoral: “Zidane wanted me and that’s why Real Madrid tried to let Jovic go”

Borja Mayoral was officially unveiled as a AS Roma player this Wednesday and the striker delivered some interesting quotes explaining what happened during the last few days of the transfer window, when Real Madrid appeared to be entertaining offers for Luka Jovic.

“When I got to the pre-season with Madrid I was supposed to leave the club quickly, but Zidane wanted me to stay. I told him that I had to leave so that I could get more minutes. I think the club listened to what Zidane had to say and that’s why they tried to let Jovic go,” said Mayoral.

The striker will be playing for Roma on a two-year loan deal and the Italian club will have an option to buy him permanently in 2022. Mayoral explained that the prospect of getting minutes was very important for him.

“It all happened very late and very fast, but in the end I talked to Zidane and asked him if I could leave the club. I thought that I could have more chances to play and improve. In the end, it happened, I’m here and that’s what’s important,” he added.

Luka Jovic is now Real Madrid’s backup striker even though some reports published on the Spanish press suggested that Zidane actually wanted to keep Mayoral for that role, confirming the words from the attacker. Jovic has played good minutes lately and will likely get more playing time this season.