The ex-international striker of the French team Djibril Cissé chose Europe 1 to evoke the memory of Pape Diouf, the ex-president of Olympique de Marseille who died on March 31 in Senegal, in Dakar, of the consequences coronavirus. Cisse, who considers Pape Diouf as his close relative, returned to the conditions of his arrival at OM.

INTERVIEW

"If my 'papa' Guy Roux was not there, I would not have spoken." Mourning is not yet digested for Djibril Cissé. But the striker of Olympique de Marseille between 2006 and 2009, wanted to sprain his silence to pay tribute to his former president, Pape Diouf, who died a few days ago in Senegal. He was the one who recruited the former Liverpool player this summer of 2006.

"To be able to wear the colors of OM is very much thanks to Pope", testifies with emotion the former French international.

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Pape Diouf, the president who brought him to OM

"Pope, we have known each other for a long time, I had a childhood dream, which was to play at OM. I am from Arles, supporter of OM from a very young age", rewinds Cissé on Europe 1.

"And so I sign for Liverpool. Rafael Benitez (Spanish coach of the Reds at the time, note ) has other plans for his team, and I find myself on the transfer market. Very quickly I say that the only team where I will accept to sign, it would be Marseilles. Pope is delighted by the idea, José Anigo too. He also counted on this transfer. We agree. "

pic.twitter.com/8qm0bijnJB

- Djibril Cisse (@DjibrilCisse) March 31, 2020

Despite the fracture, Diouf calls Cisse: "son I have only one word"

Meanwhile, on June 6, 2006, in a World Cup preparation match, Djibril Cissé broke his leg with the France team against China, a serious injury which would prevent him from being among the 23 of coach Raymond Domenech.

"Pope calls me and says' Son, I have only one word, we have agreed and it is not this damn wound that will make me doubt your qualities. You are a child of OM and you have to wear this jersey. "My morale went from 0 out of 10 to 10 out of 10", recalls, moved, Djibril Cissé. "It boosted me and made me want to give back to this guy and to this club." Djibril Cissé will remain at Olympique de Marseille until 2008, before being loaned to England, at Sunderland.