Sunderland midfielder Habib Diarra has been discussing his recent injury

Sunderland midfielder Habib Diarra has opened up on his decision to sign for the club, as well as the recent injury issues that have kept him sidelined since September.

The Senegalese star became the Black Cats’ record signing when he joined from RC Strasbourg in a deal worth around £30 million this summer, but was limited to just four Premier League outings before succumbing to a groin complaint that required surgery.

Since then, he has been working his way back to full fitness, but Sunderland are set to be without him for another extended period of time after he received a call-up to represent his country at the African Cup of Nations.

What has Sunderland midfielder Habib Diarra said about his injury setback?

Speaking to Senegalese outlet DSports, when asked about his recent injury, Diarra said: “It’s true that at the beginning, it was difficult. After the injury, I didn’t think there would be surgery. Then, they explained that there were two options: either treat it without surgery, with the risk of a relapse, or have surgery to fix the problem permanently. I chose the second option. It was very hard, but I stayed mentally positive. The club supported me, the Senegalese Football Federation too, my family, honestly everyone around me. That really helped me maintain a positive mindset.”

The 21-year-old was also quizzed on how difficult it has been to settle for a watching brief in recent weeks, to which he responded: “That’s part of football. We have a pretty deep squad. Even though I got injured, I knew there would be someone to replace me and do the job properly... I never doubted myself. I know my strengths. I worked very hard during this recovery period to come back as quickly as possible. I stayed true to myself.”

Prior to Senegal unveiling their AFCON squad last weekend, there had been question marks over whether Diarra would travel to tournament given his lengthy stint on the sidelines, but the Black Cats star explained that he was in constant communication with national boss Pape Thiaw and his staff.

He said: “During my recovery, we stayed in touch, as did the national team’s medical staff. He told me he had confidence in me and that my health was the most important thing. Pape Thiaw is a coach who cares a lot about the players.

“I’m always ready to meet the demands. We live in a world where you don’t have a choice: either you have the skill, you play, or you don’t, you’re left out. I know my strengths, I continue to progress and improve. I’m still young, I work hard every day, and I know I’m ready for the Africa Cup of Nations.

“My personal goals take a back seat. Just playing in the Africa Cup of Nations is a fantastic opportunity; it’s not something everyone gets to do. My objective will be to help the team as much as possible to win matches and achieve our ultimate goal.”

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Diarra also went on to discuss his decision to sign for Sunderland, despite interest from several other high profile suitors. He said: “It was a very well-considered decision. I spoke with the sporting director and the coach, and I quickly told them I was coming. They presented me with a clear and interesting project, and I was very receptive. From the start, they showed me they really wanted me. For a player, feeling important at a club is essential. I know this choice wasn’t understood by everyone, especially some Senegalese, and I understand them. But I never rush things. To reach the next level, you have to think things through carefully. I don’t take that lightly.

“Sunderland is a very family-oriented club. Everyone loves football, the atmosphere is great, and people are always smiling. The facilities are excellent; there’s nothing to criticize about the club. There have also been a lot of new arrivals: Granit Xhaka, Mukiele, Noah Sadiki, Simon Adingra… When I saw this squad, I felt very confident.

“When I make a decision, it’s because I’ve thought it through carefully. I’m a very organised person. If we share the same values, I’m fully committed. I feel fantastic at Sunderland. It was a decision of the heart, and in terms of results, everything is working. We couldn’t have hoped for better.”

On head coach Regis Le Bris, he added: “It’s a healthy relationship between a coach and his players. He talks to us a lot and explains his choices. Tactically, he’s a very strong coach. I’ve learned a lot from him. He wants us to improve and always give our best.

“There’s really no secret [to Sunderland’s success this season]. We work hard in training, we get along very well off the pitch, and we enjoy playing together. And as I said, the coach is very strong tactically.”

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