NEWS CENTRE - Speaking about his transfer to Amedspor, the successes he experienced, the journey to the championship, the controversy surrounding his country’s flag and his future, Mbaye Diagne said: “Maybe the end of my career is approaching, but I am here right now. I love Amedspor very much. I especially love this city and its people.”

 

Mbaye Diagne, the striker of Amedspor, who secured promotion to the Süper Lig after finishing second in the Trendyol First League, became the league’s top scorer with 29 goals. Having previously played for major clubs during his career and making a major contribution to the team’s promotion, Diagne also drew attention both during the Iğdırspor match and with the Senegalese flag he hung at his home. Reflecting on the team’s struggle throughout the season and the championship won in the final stage, Diagne spoke to Mezopotamya Agency (MA).

 

Beginning his remarks with “Çawanî (How are you) Amedspor,” Diagne said he was very happy to have scored the most goals. Stating that millions had been waiting for this championship, Diagne said they were happy to have delivered it. “The city is full of excitement, cars and roads are packed, people everywhere are celebrating the championship with enthusiasm. This city deserved it,” he said.

 

Speaking about the process of joining Amedspor, Diagne said: “When they first called me, I was on holiday. It was a surprise call for me, from someone I did not know. When they contacted me, I did not really take it seriously.” He added that they called him again later and told him that Amedspor had never previously played in the Süper Lig.

 

As someone who enjoys challenges, Diagne said he accepted the transfer with the dream of helping the team gain promotion. “My motivation was to take this team to the Süper Lig, and we achieved that,” he said.

 

Diagne also spoke about the King Kong mask he wore after scoring in some matches, saying it represented him personally. He explained that he identified with the gorilla’s combative and fighting spirit, which is why it had become his symbol.

 

Diagne said he was surprised by the police intervention attempt after the Iğdırspor match, when he displayed the Senegalese flag because its colours were likened to the symbolic Kurdish colours “Kesk, sor, zer (green, red and yellow)". Diagne said: “I think everyone should be able to display their country’s flag during celebrations like this. Wherever they go, people should have the freedom to carry their own flag with them.” 

 

Speaking about his career and future, Diagne said: “Maybe the end of my career is approaching, but I am here right now, I am in Amed. I love Amedspor very much. I especially love this city and its people. Of course, I will continue to do everything I can for Amedspor.”

 

Stating that his wife has been behind his success, Diagne continued: “I want to thank my beloved wife, who has stood by me at every moment for years. If I have achieved great success after difficult periods, my wife has played a huge part in that. Her contribution is at the heart of my achievements. Thank you.”

 

MA / Dilges Ruvanas - Mujdat Can