EL HADJI DIOUF has reiterated his regrets at having signed for Liverpool, insisting that he should have headed for Manchester United instead.
The former Senegal international was hot property back in 2002, with Gerard Houllier moving early that summer to secure his signature in a £10 million deal.
Diouf starred for his country at the World Cup finals after signing for the Reds, with much excitement surrounding his arrival at Anfield. He was, however, to flop badly, recording just six goals in his debut campaign and none in his second.
The outspoken forward would go on to enjoy success in England with the likes of Bolton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers, but he was never the same player and missed out on his big break.
Quizzed by RMC Sport on his biggest regret, Diouf said: “I would say Liverpool. Because if I had the chance again I would go to Manchester United or Barcelona. At the time they wanted me also.”
Diouf never got close to attracting such interest again after linking up with Liverpool, with the creativity he showcased in France with Lens proving difficult to reproduce in England.
He did still enjoy a productive career, though, making close to 500 appearances at club level and earning 70 caps for his country. He was twice named African Footballer of the Year and is held in the highest regard by those in Senegal.
That success means that he is well placed to pass comment on the emerging stars of today, with Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe among those to have caught his eye.
At just 19 years of age, the exciting Frenchman is already a two-time Ligue 1 champion, World Cup winner and the first recipient of the Kopa Trophy.
Big things are expected of a teenage talent who finished fourth in the 2018 Ballon d’Or vote, but he has been warned against taking inspiration from a club colleague at PSG.
Diouf said: “If I was to give Kylian Mbappe one piece of advice, it would be to not be like Neymar and more like Cristiano Ronaldo.”
Mbappe has netted 14 times so far this season, with that return placing him ahead of Ronaldo’s 11-goal haul at Juventus and one behind Neymar’s return for PSG.
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Beating Kerry at their own game. Ha ha hilarious
What’s corks game Connor?
Hard luck boys brian begley was a massive loss when he went off they can leave with their heads held high a valiant effort by the boys
@ AC sour grapes much!!! For sure Cork have problems at the moment but who dosent?? but their are signs in Cork that the development squads are coming good, last years minor hurlers and footballers were extremely unlucky not to progress out of Munster at least, It might take a few years but things are set to improove.Its fair to say that kerry might have problems of their own if ye cared to look a bit closer no All-Ireland senior club title in years, only two Minor titles in years and two senior All-irelands since 07 that they shouldnt and did not deserve to win, and now no Muns U21 title since 2008 and tonights loss casts a doubt about some of these highly rated players in kerry and remember limerick and Tipp ran them close in yer own backyard too so maybe they are not as good as ye would like to think.
Cork may be wining the last number of years titles but the reality is that cork gaa is in a sad state. Mr Frankie bowel has absolutely ruined and destroyed Cork gaa to the point that he is a total and utter sole responsibility for cork GAA. #shameonyoumurphy
Pity Jack cldnt bring on David Clifford …considering he man of the week…ok nxt year fot Jack n lads…
Murphy seems to get the blame for all corks ills, easy to pin the blame on him I suppose, not a problem when he’s getting a player off on some long forgotten technicality though
Name another thing he did other than that?
Who exactly did he “get off” Anthony ??It seems a myth has grown around Frank murphy over the years if you have inside info on the players frank got off up in kilkenny maybe you tell us all.
Alas no inside line, but it’s laughable that all the ills of cork GAA are placed at frank murphys feet
I’ve heard the same!!!!!! It must be true so thanks for that
@Anthony Of course its true!!! be sure to tell everyone just because you heard it good lad.
@Anthony So your just repeating “something you heard” well “Ive heard Brian cody does not allow Richie Hogan have sugar in his tea!! how does that sound??