“They have inspired me to compete at the highest level and get to that point. Yaya Toure and Didier Drogba were my heroes. Although I haven’t had the opportunity to meet with them yet, I have already spoken with them over the phone. They merely informed me how crucial it was to put in a lot of effort and pursue my goals.
They’ve seen me play, so they know I can handle it even if it won’t be easy. When I was little, I used to watch Toure a lot. He was a fantastic player, and I’m attempting to play the game like him. However, I also believe that it’s critical to be authentic, as I am aware of my unique qualities. Being the finest version of myself is, in my opinion, the best thing I can do since I know that people will look up to me.
When Rangers and Benfica play in Thursday’s first leg at the Stadium of Light, the Argentine World Cup winners Angel Di Maria and Nicolas Otamendi will be on the Benfica team, therefore Rangers will need to be at their very best too. Diomande, though, merely hopes that his new side won’t be forgotten like the Nordsjaelland squad he left behind.
After defeating Ryan Kent’s Fenerbahce team 6-1 and Bulgaria’s Ludogorets 7-1, the Danes appeared to be making waves in their Conference League division. However, they were eliminated from the competition on the final day after losing to Ludogorets.
“It was a huge letdown,” the midfielder from Ibrox said. “I recall that I was suspended for the last game against Ludogorets, which was played away from home. However, I went to Bulgaria with the squad and witnessed the outcome. My teammates were not happy, and it was quite depressing.
“Earlier in the group, we experienced some incredible moments at Farum Park, and the supporters had some wonderful moments as they hadn’t seen European football for such a long time. We weren’t able to survive, even though I truly believed we would. Right now, all I want to talk about is my squad since I’m so pleased here at Rangers.
“The match this week is an additional challenge for the Europa League. We have a formidable opponent in Benfica for the upcoming round, and I’m excited about the challenge. I’m eager and anticipating it with excitement. Rangers is a big club, too, even though I know Benfica is a big team. My teammates and I will undoubtedly be prepared for every minute of the match and will exert every effort to win.
Diomande has fit in well in Glasgow thus far, scoring goals in consecutive games against Hearts and St Johnstone. The new signing claims that aside from Saturday’s loss to Motherwell, everything has gone perfectly for him in Scotland.
“It will be challenging to acknowledge every teammate who has supported me; from the moment I came here, everything has been incredible,” he remarked. “The dressing room staff has been incredibly friendly. I had anticipated a chilly country, but everyone has been so friendly! I feel comfortable here.
GET MORE NEWS HERE