'I didn't want to go anywhere else', says new Real Madrid signing Brahim Diaz

But Diaz, who had just six months remaining on his City contract, says he had no hesitation in opting for Real.

"When I was told of Real Madrid's interest I didn't think twice about it," said Diaz at his presentation at the Bernabeu, which was broadcast on Real Madrid TV.

"Today is the most important day of my life, arriving at the team I dreamed of playing for when I was a child. This is the best present for me for Christmas.

"When I decided to leave Manchester City I only thought about three options. The first one, play for Real Madrid; the second one, play for Real Madrid and the third one, play for Real Madrid.

"I didn't want to go anywhere else. It was impossible to go to a better club."

Diaz, who will wear the number 21 shirt at Real, spoke to media and posed for photographs on the pitch in front of fans.

Coming after the loss of Jadon Sancho in 2017, Diaz's departure is another blow for City's much-vaunted academy with the youngster sensing there may be better first-team opportunities elsewhere.

Diaz, however, had no bad words for the club he joined from Malaga at the age of 14.

He said: "I am really grateful to City for they helped me a lot but I am very really pleased to be here now at the biggest club in the world. I really just want to get started."

City are understood to have secured a basic £15.5million fee for Diaz with a potential extra £6.5million in add-ons. The deal includes a 15 per cent sell-on clause but that rises to 40 per cent if the buying club are Manchester United.

Diaz has signed a six-and-a-half year contract with the European champions.

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