Diao - on his way to Liverpool (Allsport)
SECOND STAGE BECKONS FOR SENEGAL
By Paul Walker, PA Sport, Dague
Liverpool's £4million new signing Salif Diao spoke of his pride at
clinching a dream move to Anfield as he prepared to continue the Senegal World
Cup fantasy.
Diao will move to Liverpool from French club Sedan straight after the World
Cup has finished, and admits he can not wait to start his new career on
Merseyside.
Diao, who will be joined at Anfield by £10m Senegal team mate El Hadji Diouf -
both have already signed long term contracts with the Merseysiders - was one of
the stars of Senegal's shock opening day victory over holders France, and can
help guide his nation into the second stage if they can beat Denmark.
But despite the circus now surrounding the wonder boys from Africa,
25-year-old Diao has his Liverpool move firmly in view.
He said: "For me, playing in England will be a dream. I intend to play well
for Liverpool and win many things there.
"I appreciate that being able to join such a great club is something very
special indeed.
"But to be fair, even before Liverpool came in for me, if a Second Division
club in England had tried to sign me, I would have gone because I want to play
there so much.
"But now I have a very nice, very big move to Liverpool and I want to make a
great success of the move.
"I think Liverpool are one of the greatest clubs in the world with a fine
history and it will be an honour to play for them where I believe I will be
representing all African footballers."
But before his move starts, Diao must complete the wonderful journey of
Senegal, who shocked the world with their victory over the French in Seoul.
He added: "We know this next game with Denmark will be as emotional for us as
the French match was. But then there was big pressure on us because of all that
surrounds the opening game. This time the pressure will be less than in that
match.
"The French performance was one of great intensity. Can we repeat it? Yes,
why not?"
Diao's French coach Bruno Metso also sees another hard match for his men,
runners-up to Cameroon as African champions.
He said: "Denmark are a solid, strong team. We know it will be difficult
again.
"At the beginning we achieved a great success against France, now we must do
the same again.
"But it's a big challenge because Denmark have done well against African
sides, beating Nigeria and Cameroon.
"But we feel a great satisfaction with what we have achieved so far and want
to continue the same way."
Senegal will be without their skipper Aliou Cisse, who has not recovered from
a calf injury sustained against France.
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