Author

James Crawley writes

Posted Wednesday, February 21st 2018 @CrawleyJames92

WellRed meets: Loïs Diony

Wednesday, February 21st 2018

WellRed gets to know City’s latest recruit, Loïs Diony, who joined on loan from Saint-Etienne in the January transfer window.

The striker discusses his tough time in eastern France, his aims during his loan spell in England and that haircut!

Let’s start by talking about your decision to come here. What happened at Saint-Etienne to make you look elsewhere?

"I know there are supporters at Saint-Etienne who like me, but there are also those who don’t. It is very difficult for a footballer if, when they touch the ball, all the supporters scream bad things.

"I’m trying to show my skills and moves for the team but it wasn’t easy. For me, it was better to change my situation and come away from France. My season is over with Saint-Etienne now and my focus is on Bristol City. I want to help the team here."

So why did you opt to leave for England and Bristol City?

"I’ve come here for a fresh start and to enjoy life and my football again.

"I want to have a smile on my face again. It’s a new country, new teammates and a different league. I want to play as much as possible and show what I can do.

"Everyone has been very welcoming at the club and the fans have been great, so I want to say thank you to them for that support. I want to help the team enjoy success this season."

We must ask you about your hair...where did you get the inspiration from?

"I’ve had it like this for two and a half years. A lot of people talk to me about it. They ask me why I don’t cut it or say I have a pineapple on my head!"

How much English football did you watch growing up?

"I watched a lot of Premier League football up until two seasons ago when it went to a different subscription channel.

"Growing up I liked Chelsea in England; they had great players. In my own country I liked Paris Saint Germain – my dad was a PSG fan so I followed that. Further on, I supported Real Madrid.

"I’ve played at the Parc Des Princes (PSG’s home ground) and I’ve watched Real live once, but not at the Bernabéu."