Rangers: Mohamed Diomande explains Ibrox transfer decision after Didier Drogba advice
Mohamed Diomande has shared advice from Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure before sealing his move to Rangers in January.
The midfielder who arrived on an initial loan deal, and is expected to make the permanent move in the summer, recalled watching Rangers’ Europa League run to the final in Seville.
He went on to admit he is living the dream in Glasgow and wants to replicate that run to the final this season, competing with the biggest and best teams in Europe.
Speaking to the Daily Record [6 March], Diomande shared: “I was watching when Rangers made it to Seville, I saw all the stuff they did and how they progressed through. That was also one of the big reasons why I decided to come here. I’d love to have my own similar experience.
“I’m living the dream here and for me, that means playing at the highest level of football that I can. Competing at this stage in the tournament means you’re one of the best teams in Europe and to get here you need to be one of the best in your league and to compete against different clubs on the continent.
“It’s a good step and a good competition for everybody to grow as a footballer. Guys like Drogba and Sadio Mane have been role models and opened the way and shown how it can be done at the top. They have motivated me to reach that level and compete at the top level.
“My heroes were Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure. I haven’t had the chance to meet with them yet but I’ve spoken with them on the phone before. They just told me how important it was to work hard and follow my dreams.”
Mohamed Diomande looking to make history at Rangers
With Rangers set to travel to Lisbon to face Benfica on 7 March, they will be pushed all the way in an attempt to qualify for the next round of the Europa League, although the hosts’ recent form has led to suggestions their boss could face the sack if they lose.
That could come as either a boost to Rangers or their opponents, with the manager desperate for a result, although Philippe Clement’s side will be equally keen as they look to bounce back from their shock defeat to Motherwell at Ibrox.
Diomande has had a strong start to his career at Ibrox and will look to continue to push on and grow as a player, with a possible cup run seemingly the best way for him to grow as he revealed his ultimate ambition to impress on the European stage.
Having ambitious players in the team will never be a bad thing. Players who want to win, not only in the short term but long-term too, and who are looking to better themselves will better the club as a result.
In other Rangers news, Chris Sutton aimed a new jibe at Todd Cantwell.
For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.