Mohamed Diomande on his Rangers love and pivotal Clement talks.
Before the team travels to Rugby Park on Wednesday night to play Kilmarnock, Mohamed Diomande has been speaking. This is what he had to say.
Are you settling in?
Yes, I’m settling in good and I’m getting help from my teammates and people around the club so it’s been amazing so far.
How pleasing is it to have the success you’ve had on the pitch already?
I’m going to be humble and continue to do what I’m doing. What is important for me is to look out for the next game. It’s good what we have done in the past but I only look forward and what I can do better.
Did you think you could bring goals to this team?
Yes, I scored a few goals in Denmark and I wanted to make a difference and score goals. I want to get in the right places at the right time to make a difference. It’s part of my game.
Is defensive midfield your strongest position?
I’m a box-to-box midfielder but I can also play as a defensive midfielder and I can give a lot to my team when we’re attacking.
What do you think this move could do for your international ambitions?
Given the size of the team and the widespread knowledge of Rangers, I believe it was the perfect decision for me. I hope they are keeping an eye on me, and I will do all in my power to persuade them to include me to the national squad. I believe it’s the best location for me to pursue my football career and schooling.
Did you quickly learn about the demands of a club like Rangers?
Before I came here I had a good talk with the gaffer so I kind of knew what he was expecting from me and what I can bring to the team too.
How are you settling into Scotland?
People are amazing here. It’s going well already for me. My family is also going to try and move here to visit me. It’s been nice since I’ve been here, people are being nice to me and helping me a lot.
What can be achieved this season?
I give my teammates credit for the hard work they have put in thus far; I know they have done a good job staying at the top because, ever since I arrived, I have seen them put in a lot of effort in training. As for my teammates and myself, we are focused on the little things—what has to be done next and tomorrow’s game is the only thing we are thinking about—and we’ll see what happens.
Is the Scottish game what you thought it would be?
Yes, I saw a few games before I came here. I know it’s much more physical and much more direct so I was already expecting this before I came.
Were there other clubs interested in you and why did you choose Rangers?
Because I thought it was the best place to come. The manager gave me a good feeling.
Can you tell us what the manager said to you?
He was just convincing me and he told me he knows how good I am and what I can bring to the team. That’s something I wanted to hear from the manager. I needed something to boost myself and decided to come. I’ve known Rangers for a long time and I knew it was the best club and I thought, ‘Why not?’
READ MORE: Inside Diomande’s rise and Ibrox transfer: Rangers kits as a kid, Koppen and a dream
Can you explain how you were pictured wearing a Rangers shirt as a kid?
The man who gave me the clothing was an Englishman named Joe Mulberry who came to Abidjan when I was eleven years old. When I was at the academy, he scouted me out of Abidjan and got me a Rangers shirt, which I wore for some private training in Ghana.
Did you look for Rangers’ results after that?
Yeah, I’ve been following Rangers a lot and I’ve seen what they have achieved.
When Rangers came in for you did it make it extra special that you could wear the shirt properly?
Yes, exactly. I would also say it was one of the key moments that made the deal happen because I was in love with the club already from a young age.
What was it like to score at Ibrox?
It’s amazing to score in front of your fans and for them to cheer for you. I hope there’s many more coming. I’m just happy to score my first goal at Ibrox.
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