Luis Diaz in dreamland as he targets Champions League glory with Liverpool
The Reds face Real Madrid in Saturday’s final at the Stade de France in Paris.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Luis Diaz feels he is living a dream as he aims to cap an outstanding first season at Liverpool by winning the Champions League.
The exciting Colombia forward has been a revelation since joining the Reds from Porto in January.
His arrival gave Jurgen Klopp’s attack a timely injection of energy and then helped them maintain momentum as they chased what would have been an extraordinary quadruple.
Always I have dreamed of winning the Champions League.
They fell just short in their quest to add the Premier League title to the two domestic cups already won, but they can make instant amends in Saturday’s Champions League final against Real Madrid.
“Always I have dreamed of winning the Champions League,” said Diaz.
“Even more so (to be playing) against a team like Real Madrid, for me I am living a great dream.
“I want to take advantage of these moments and be happy.”
Diaz, 25, has certainly hit the ground running at Anfield and immediately established himself as a key component of their feared attack.
That is no mean feat with manager Klopp’s other options including Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino, but Diaz is modest about his own contribution.
“I don’t believe so,” he said, when asked if he is the team’s most in-form player. “I think every one of us is in very good shape to compete at a high level, not only me.
“Everyone in the squad is in good form. I know if I am given the opportunity I will go out there to take advantage like always.”
Real beat Liverpool when the two sides met in the 2018 final but, after their exhilarating title race with Manchester City in which both clubs hit remarkable standards of consistency, the Reds are considered favourites this time.
Diaz, however, insists that is not how anyone at Anfield is viewing the game as they head to Paris for the clash at the Stade de France.
“There are no favourites (considered) here,” he said. “We know that a final is contested minute by minute.
“We are going to give 100 per cent. We know what we have to do.
“Clearly, we know what Real Madrid have – what a great team they are, the experience they have – but we also have a great squad and our great game and we are going to counteract what they do.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments