We expect nothing less from El Hadji Diouf by now.
He certainly has an interesting way of words but at least for once he isn’t bad-mouthing Steven Gerrard.
The former Liverpool man has turned his attention to Joel Matip this time by opposing the defender’s decision not to play for Cameroon at the African Cup of Nations, quoting Bob Marley in the process.
Diouf told BBC World Service: “I don’t understand people turning down their country.”
“And like the legend Bob Marley always said ‘if you don’t know where you come from, you don’t know where to go’.”
“Definitely they’ll regret not playing in the Cup of Nations. After your career, what are you going to do? Stay living in Europe? To do what?”
“It’s always tough to be African, because you can be the best African coach but they’ll never give you PSG, Barcelona, Liverpool or Manchester United.”
“That’s why I say to all the boys: don’t turn down your country because the future of this world is in Africa.”
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We are sure the only regret Matip had about not competing for his country was the length of time he was unable to play for Liverpool due to FIFA’s investigation into his eligibility.
Having said that, there is of course a part of him that will most likely be envious of the Cameroon players who are preparing to play in Sunday’s final against Egypt.
He is back with the Reds now though are we are confident he’ll rediscover his top form and prove to be a key figure heading into a decisive stage of the season.