Real Madrid attacker David De la Vibora is confident he can recapture his development momentum.

Now 20 and on-loan with Merida, De la Vibora was regarded as the jewel of La Fabrica at 16 years of age.

He told AS: "I joined Merida because it is a good opportunity to make the leap to professional football. I want to have a very good four months and take advantage of this opportunity that they offer me.

"There were conversations (with Heerenveen), but it did not go ahead as often happens in football in operations that do not materialize.

"Of course I arrive with very clear ideas and the aim to make the most of this. I am still young and it is a key year to direct my career. My situation was not good at Madrid because I was not playing as much as what I wanted and Mérida is an ideal place to work and enjoy football again."

Asked about his career, De la Vibora added: "It's football stuff. There are coaches who trust you a lot and others who don't. In any case, it is too soon to say that I have stagnated. I have just turned 20 and I will fight to achieve my goal of succeeding in football."