DIALLO: I WAS READY TO HAVE THE FINAL SAY
BY JOHN CROSS
CUP hero Amad Diallo says every game is like a “Champions League final” for him.
The
21-year-old scored
Manchester
United’s last-gasp winner against
Liverpool that secured a place in the FA Cup semi-finals.
But seconds later, the
Ivory Coast forward’s day finished with him being shown a second yellow card (lower circle) for tearing off his shirt at Old Trafford.
It will go down as one of the all-time great FA Cup ties, but for Amad (top circle) it was a chance to showcase his ability and stake a claim for his future because he has struggled to take off since arriving at United for £35million three years ago.
Amad, who has been sent out on loan to Sunderland and Rangers, said: “I wait for my chance and, for me, every game is like a Champions League final. Whether I start or I am on the bench, it is important for me to be ready every time.
“It was important to go on loan to get more confidence and experience, so now I am at Manchester United, I am very happy to stay here. To score the final goal was so important for me.
“It was an unbelievable day. I want to celebrate this moment with my family and the fans, who supported us all game. It was one of the best games for Manchester United and I scored a last-minute goal against Liverpool. It was an unbelievable moment.
“It was my dream to play for Manchester United. I was in Sunderland last season and I came here to wait for my chance. To score my second goal for United was very important.”
Amad, now in his third season in English football, admitted that he actually forgot he had already been booked for stopping a quickly-taken free-kick.
But his biggest objective now is to stay at United and fight for his place at the club.
He added: “I forgot the first yellow! But it was important we won, so I am very happy.
“I train hard every day and I have waited for my chance. The manager believes in me. I am on the bench but every time I am ready to come in and fight for the team. If I score for the team, then I will be very happy.
“I believe in myself, and I believe in everyone.
“I want to thank the fans and my family for supporting me every day.”