Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa is happy with the return of Morocco international Brahim Diaz following the closure of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
The 26-year-old attacker left the Spanish giants for the continental showpiece in Morocco, where he helped the Atlas Lions to finish second at the end of the tournament.
Diaz featured in the chaotic final between Morocco and Senegal, held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium last Sunday.
Senegal pounced on Diaz penalty miss, defeating the Atlas Lions 1-0 after extra-time to secure the title.
The Taranga Lions walked-off the pitch after referee Jacques Ndala awarded a penalty kick to Morocco, minutes after disallowing a goal for the Taranga Lions.
But Sadio Mane urged his teammates to return to the pitch for the continuation of the match. Their return paid off, with Pape Gueye netting the match winner.
At a pre-match conference, Arbeloa, who recently took charge of Real Madrid has expressed joy following the return of Diaz, while hailing his exploits at the AFCON.
“I am very happy that he has joined us. He showed his abilities at Real Madrid and repeated that in Africa. He is a player whose movements are difficult to predict, he is good at playing between the lines, he can occupy many positions, he has a great mentality and a great desire to give, and we will certainly need him” he said.
Having rejoined Madrid, Diaz is expected to feature in the upcoming weekend fixture against Villarreal in the La Liga.
