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‘My idol’: Man United’s Amad Diallo says former Chelsea player was his hero growing up

Posted By Joe E

May 23, 2024

8:32 am

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Manchester United winger Amad Diallo says a former Chelsea player was his idol when he was growing up.

The Red Devils are preparing to face rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final this weekend in a bid to salvage something from what has been a miserable season.

Erik ten Hag’s side ended the Premier League campaign in eighth, their lowest finish since the league was founded in 1992.

So it all rests on Saturday and ahead of the clash, Amad has named his idol growing up who was an FA Cup specialist during his playing career.

READ MORE: Aston Villa have joined Man United in race to sign ‘one of the best in the world’

Didier Drogba of Chelsea scores the 2nd goal during the FA Cup Final with Budweiser between Liverpool and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on May 5, 2012... — Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Amad Diallo says Didier Drogba was his idol growing up

Speaking to talkSPORT’s Premier League All Access podcast, Amad said Didier Drogba was his idol when he was growing up.

“My idol growing up was Didier Drogba, he was a great player,” the 21-year-old said.

“Obviously it’s going to be a dream for me to score in the final like he did in the FA Cup final so I want to score in the final.”

He continued: “Yeah I already met him in national team one day, he’s a good person, he gave me a lot of something in the pitch, like I need to score, so I was happy to meet him.”

If he can emulate his hero this weekend by scoring the winner against United’s fierce rivals City, then he’ll likely be an inspiration to many of the younger generation, too.

READ MORE: £47m Manchester United player says he was in talks to join Arsenal in 2015

Amad Diallo could be the matchwinner vs Manchester City

Having hardly featured for much of the season due to injury, Amad really turned the screw towards the end and may start against City.

The 2002-born wide player produced a clinic against Newcastle United in the penultimate game, scoring a superb goal whilst laying on an assist.

Amad’s profile could suit the Wembley pitch, too, as he’ll have plenty of space to surge into space before getting a shot away or finding a teammate.

READ MORE: ESPN pundit discusses whether Man United should hire Mauricio Pochettino after his Chelsea exit

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