Lyon striker Mariano has said his former club Real Madrid do not have a buy-back option on him but still retain 35 percent of his sporting rights.
Mariano moved to Lyon in an €8 million deal in the summer, and his record of 14 goals in 24 league starts has led to reports that Madrid may want to bring him back at the end of the season.
But he told Onda Cero: "I do not have a buy-back option on my contract, but Real Madrid do own 35 percent of my [sporting] rights."
Mariano, involved in his side's first two goals as they beat Villarreal 3-1 in the Europa League on Thursday, said earlier this season that although it would be a dream to return to Madrid one day, he is happy at Lyon.
The Madrid youth product said he had been thrilled with their 3-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League this week.
"I'm delighted for my former teammates at Madrid, I celebrated those goals," he said. "Let's hope they go through to the next round."
Meanwhile, Mariano said he was targeting a place in Spain's World Cup squad, with national coach Julen Lopetegui having said he was monitoring him.
Born in Spain, he represented the Dominican Republic, where his mother was born in one friendly game in 2013 but is keen to play for La Roja.
"I try to do the best I can to see if I get my first call-up," he said.