The former PSG and RB Leipzig defender noted that being the first born son of his family was a deciding factor in taking a lucrative deal to join Qatari side Al Arabi SC
Former Paris Saint-Germain defender Abdou Diallo has opened up about the reason why he decided to leave France for Qatar.
Diallo ditches PSG for Al-Arabi SC
Diallo joined Al-Arabi SC from PSG this summer alongside teammate Marco Verratti, as both players shocked the football world by moving from Ligue 1 to the Qatari Stars League.
13:39 - 13.09.2023
Nigeria set to face either Senegal, Egypt or Ivory Coast in next year's AFCON
The Super Eagles are set to be drawn in a potential group of death in next year’s Africa Cup of Nations.
13:06 - 13.09.2023
FOOTBALL AFCON 2023: Who joins Senegal on plane to Ivory Coast
The confirmed lineup of qualified teams is nothing short of impressive, featuring defending champions Senegal, who will be favourites to defend their crown.
There have naturally been speculations about what could have driven Diallo to make such a drastic move at this stage of his career, and the Senegal international revealed all during his appearance on the ASAC podcast.
Diallo noted that he initially had no intention of moving to Qatar, saying, “It wasn’t at all the project [that I was interested in] at the start of the window. I had made staying in Europe, in the top five leagues, a priority. I received a few interesting approaches. The Qatar offer came at the worst possible time; I didn’t see myself there at all.”
However, he noted that when his brother, Ibrahima Diallo made a similar move to Qatar from Southampton, a potential move to the Gulf became more appealing.
“My brother signed there [Qatar] a month earlier. It was a big argument in favour, Diallo said, continuing, Last year, I didn’t see him at all. That changes your life. There are more important things than football in life, it has to be said. I am very happy to be closer to my family.”
Financial responsibility inspires Diallo to daring move
The defender who spent the 2022/23 season on loan at RB Leipzig, winning the DFB Pokal with the German said, also noted the place of finance in his final decision, saying, “Lots of players will recognise this, but I played with fear of poverty, of injury, of not making it, of not improving my family’s life, because football was my escape, my social ladder and an opportunity to improve my way of life.
07:47 - 12.09.2023
AFCON 2023 Here are the 22 teams that have qualified for 2023 Africa Cup of Nations so far
A good record of all the 54-member associations of CAF took part in the campaign, with about a dozen starting through the preliminary stage due to their rankings.
06:09 - 11.09.2023
Senegalese record-breaking teenager set to snub Barcelona, Manchester United for Ligue 1 side Metz
After becoming the youngest player to play for Senegal, Amara Diouf continues to make headlines after his next club destination was revealed
The 27-year-old centre-back further expounded on the need to succeed financially considering his background and role in the family saying, “I am the first-born boy, from divorced parents, and in our culture it’s important. I have a place, a rank to hold and responsibilities.
For a long time, I have played with this fear. It isn’t the game itself that made me scared, but the risk. I can’t be selfish and think only about my happiness. Life isn’t like that.”
Since moving to Qatar, Diallo has played in four matches, scoring one goal, but is yet to taste victory with the side, who continue to struggle despite the arrival of big names this summer.
Related content
12:36 - 25.09.2023
Former PSG star Verratti left bloodied and beaten in Qatari debut
Marco Verratti's debut for Al-Arabi did not go to plan for the Italian midfielder
23:55 - 13.09.2023
Lionel Messi congratulates Verratti for leaving PSG
Lionel Messi sent his wishes to former teammate Marco Verratti who joined Stars League side Al-Arabi.
06:09 - 11.09.2023
Senegalese record-breaking teenager set to snub Barcelona, Manchester United for Ligue 1 side Metz
After becoming the youngest player to play for Senegal, Amara Diouf continues to make headlines after his next club destination was revealed
22:30 - 09.09.2023
Senegalese teenager becomes youngest player to represent senior national team
At 15 years and 94 days old, Senegal has a new youngest debutant in the senior national team's history
13:41 - 26.08.2023
Al Fateh vs Al Nassr: Sadio Mane's shocking reaction to meeting his teammate's twin
Sadio Mane and Cristiano Ronaldo combined to inspire Al Nassr against Al Fateh in the Saudi Arabia Pro League.
08:50 - 29.06.2023
Brazil slayer Sadio Mane breaks silence, explains Sane bust-up at Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich duo Sadio Mane and Leroy Sane came to blows early this year in the dressing room fight following a poor outing against Manchester City in the Champions League.
08:30 - 21.06.2023
AFCON 2023 Senegal already switched on for AFCON - Koulibaly
The Teranga Lions exhibited an unwavering spirit and tactical discipline throughout the match, frustrating the Brazilian side and seizing crucial opportunities to take the lead.
22:13 - 20.06.2023
Sadio Mane inspires Senegal as they shock Brazil
Bayern Munich forward Sadio Mane scored twice as Senegal beat Brazil.
08:56 - 15.06.2023
AFCON 2023 Egypt seal AFCON qualification
Egypt's qualification makes them the seventh nation to confirm their spot in the AFCON, joining the likes of Senegal, Algeria, Morocco, South Africa, Tunisia, and Burkina Faso.