Liverpool’s Thiago Alcantara (left) and Southampton’s Ibrahima Diallo battle for the ball

by
Staff Reporter

Thursday Apr 08, 2021. 12:00

New Senegal international Abodu Diallo’s young brother, Ibrahima Diallo is not thinking of switching his international allegiance at the moment.

The 22-year-old midfielder is enjoying his debut season in the English Premier League in Southampton FC colours.

Diallo was born in France and he is of Senegalese descent and his older brother Abdou is a defender for French champions Paris Saint Germain (PSG).

Abdou made his Senegal debut during the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Congo last month which ended in a goalless draw.

Ibrahima, who has played for French youth national teams, is keen to continue playing for the European country.

“For the moment I am part of the French under-21 team and, for the minute, that’s the only thing in my head,” Diallo told Daily Echo.

“Playing for another national team is a personal choice.

“Personally, I have been through all the different age groups in the French national system – there is a big competition for places and that’s all I am concentrating on at the moment.”

Ibrahima also discussed his relationship with his older Abdou, who has played for German clubs Mainz 05 and Borussia Dortmund.

“It’s a very good influence. He does the same job as me and it’s good to have someone in the same circumstances,” he added.

“He has a lot of experience and so he’s an example for me and someone I can discuss things with.”

Abdou has won the French Ligue 1 title, two Super Cups, a League Cup and the French Cup with PSG and Ibrahima is currently looking for his share with Saints still in the hunt for this season’s FA Cup.

“It is an opportunity because the family trophy cabinet at home is slightly dominated by my brother, so it would be nice to start taking up some space myself,” Ibrahima explained.

“You always want to play these competitions, in these kinds of matches. “It is a prestigious competition but we are left with three big teams. It is extremely exciting.”

Southampton are set to take on Leicester City in the FA Cup semi-final match on April 18.


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