Habib Diarra interview: Senegal and Sunderland star recollects chaotic AFCON ultimate and divulges need to be greatest midfielder in world

Habib Diarra might solely watch on from the sidelines. Helpless, suspended and livid. The Senegal and Sunderland midfielder was observing what he nonetheless believes was a sporting injustice unfold in entrance of him within the ultimate phases of the AFCON ultimate.

Two weeks on, Diarra continues to be making an attempt to course of the chaos and criticism that got here Senegal’s means following their dramatic AFCON glory that despatched shockwaves internationally.

In the ultimate phases of regular time, Senegal have been denied what they felt was a reputable purpose by VAR just for the referee to award Morocco a penalty minutes later in stoppage-time. Hearts have been racing. Senegal gamers walked off in protest earlier than the spot-kick may very well be taken.

“We had the feeling that it was an injustice,” Diarra tells Sky Sports from Sunderland’s coaching floor – the feelings nonetheless operating excessive.

“A couple of minutes earlier, we had scored a good purpose. But the referee blew a bit of early. Normally, you are alleged to let it play till the top. Then, if there is a foul, you go see the VAR after which say if it is a foul or a purpose. We have been indignant about that.

“It’s a part of soccer. Sometimes, the referee makes errors. We’re people, everybody makes errors.

“When the referee went to see the VAR and blew for a penalty, we didn’t see the foul. It was incredible.”

The photos of Senegal gamers heading down the tunnel and off the pitch will lengthy be remembered as supervisor Pape Thiaw was furiously gesticulating his group to return off the pitch in protest towards the referee and VAR.

From the sidelines, nevertheless, it was not an indication of protest. But one in all unity.

“I understood it,” says Diarra about his supervisor’s actions. “You cannot single out the coach.

“I think he did that because he saw how we fought during the tournament. He saw the sacrifices we made to get here. He’s like a father for us. He wanted to protect us.

“What occurred was a collective resolution. You cannot single out sure gamers or sure individuals. What I noticed is that we have been all united. If somebody decides, everybody follows.”

Despite a feeling of unity, captain Sadio Mane was also trying to progress matters, pleading with the players to return to the pitch.

“Sadio is an actual chief,” recalls Diarra. “He simply must say a phrase and everybody follows. He’s a giant brother for all of the younger gamers. He’s an instance for everybody.

“When we got into the changing room, it was all emotional. But he was clear-headed. He reminded us that if God has predicted something, everyone can do what they want. But God will have the last word in all cases.”

The relaxation, as they are saying, is historical past. Brahim Diaz’s saved Morocco’s Panenka penalty which added additional drama to the ultimate phases of the ultimate and Pape Gueye’s wonderstrike secured victory for Senegal in extra-time.

“It was one of the best, high-level, high-pressure finals there has been,” says Diarra.

But that is not how it is going to be remembered. Those actions from Senegal have led to criticism for the group. One of the perfect, chaotic finals in historical past shall be remembered for these protests from Senegal.

“I don’t pay much attention to that – I don’t think the Senegal players do either,” says Diarra in regards to the criticism that got here their means.

“The people who criticise us are part of football. We will always be criticised, on the pitch, every weekend. It’s part of our job.

“The most necessary factor is to win the trophy.” And did Diarra celebrate. In the days after the tournament, Diarra returned to Dakar to celebrate with his family. He also made the time to make a trip to Mulhouse, the city near Strasbourg that helped propel his club career, to show off his medal to those who helped him grow up in Europe.

“It was unbelievable after we have been in Dakar. That’s when it sunk in much more. Everyone was there to welcome us. It was loopy.

“We saw happy fans, children, old people, young people, women. Everyone was there. It shows that Senegal is a country that loves football.

“Honestly, 4 years in the past, when Senegal gained AFCON for the primary time, I used to be very comfortable. I haven’t got the phrases. That’s what we have been ready for essentially the most.

“Then there was the tournament two years ago that passed us by. I had a bad experience. I’m a big fan of the national team. I was with my family, with my brothers. When we lost, I cried. I cried with sadness. I wanted my team to win.

“I had a nasty expertise. I believe the gamers had a nasty expertise. And this 12 months, we confirmed who we actually have been. And this 12 months is a superb revenge.”

‘I’m in the identical ball park as Pogba, Kante’

Diarra is again at Sunderland now, absolutely centered on the ultimate months of the season. While it has been a season of overachievement on the Stadium of Light, it has not fairly gone fully to plan for the midfielder.

An damage simply weeks into his Black Cats profession impacted his £30m transfer from Strasbourg barely. But now Diarra has an necessary function to play.

With Granit Xhaka now injured for a month, Sunderland want management in the course of the park. Diarra, who was made captain at a younger age at Strasbourg by a sure Liam Rosenior final season, might nicely be that key participant.

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“When I was young, I was used to being a captain,” says Diarra. “Being young and professional has nothing to do with it. I was born that way. It’s natural for me.

“I’d say that I’m somebody who likes to win. All the gamers hold that in thoughts. I’m somebody who likes to assist individuals.

“When I see people who are going through a difficult time, I will help them. I will be there to support them.

“At Sunderland, we do not essentially use the time period captain. We use the phrase chief. I study on daily basis from Granit. I see how he does it. There are occasions when I’ll deal with issues otherwise. I take him for instance.”

Xhaka’s not the only example Diarra looks up to in the Premier League. Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante are the player’s two main idols he is looking up to at the moment.

And just look at Diarra’s career. He’s just 22 but he’s already been champion of Africa, captain at Strasbourg and moved to the Premier League. What is next?

“Of course, at 22, it is good to have all that,” says Diarra. “But it is only the start. I’m somebody who’s hungry. I at all times wish to enhance.

“I want to be among the best midfielders in the world. I take Paul Pogba, N’Golo Kanté as an example. I am always inspired by players like them. They’re in the same ball park as me.

“In the approaching years, I wish to make a reputation for myself within the Premier League. I wish to be a part of the highest gamers. I wish to win the Champions League. It’s a purpose for everybody. I additionally wish to win the World Cup. That’s the dream.”

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