Luis Diaz had conceded he has a “childish dream” to play in Spain – but is only focused on getting silverware with Liverpool, he also revealed his first meeting with Lionel Messi.
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Diaz has been a huge success since arriving from Porto for £50m in January, starting the League Cup and FA Cup final wins over Chelsea and also the Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid.
He is expected to return to action during next month’s warm-weather training camp in Dubai after suffering a knee injury in October.
And while Diaz has revealed a boyhood wish to play in the Spanish La Liga, his concentration remains solely on Jurgen Klopp’s side.
“I would like to play for a Spanish club that has always attracted my family’s attention, but it is more of a childish dream,” he said.
“Now I only think about lifting trophies and making history with Liverpool, which is one of the biggest clubs in the world. I am very grateful for the opportunity they have given me.”
Of the Champions League final, Diaz said: “The night before, I practically didn’t sleep. I was thinking about what would happen the next day. But knowing that it was there, remembering how difficult it had been to get there, was incredible. I said to myself that I’m here, I have to do and give my best. Playing in the Champions League final is another level. I am proud of how far I have come.”
Diaz admitted to being amazed by some of his own achievements. “I try to analyse what I do well and what I do wrong, to learn and be better,” he said. “And sometimes I watch those videos and I’m like, wow! I myself don’t know how I do certain things on the field.”
He also detailed how he struggled to keep his composure when coming face-to-face with Lionel Messi for the first time while on international duty with his national team Colombia.
“I almost died, I almost said ‘I love you’ and everything, haha!” said the Liverpool star. “Truly, he has always been my reference. My great idol was Ronaldinho, but since he is retired I was never able to play against him. The day I meet him, I am really going to die!
“I love Messi. The first time I had contact with him was in a Colombian game in Barranquilla, but I didn’t start; I was just starting out in the national team. And then I came across him in the Copa America two years ago and it was a great emotion.
“I haven’t exchanged shirts with him. But I already have his, I asked him through another player, he signed it for me and everything, he put it ‘with affection for Luis’. My life is already sorted with that shirt! I also have those of Cristiano (Ronaldo) and Neymar. With those three, what more can I ask for? And mine. I have several shirts lying around to frame.”
