His exit on Sunday in the semi-final against Bordeaux (2-1) gave rise to fear of the worst. More fear than harm. Victim of a carbine cramp and a small contracture in the calf, Kadidiatou Diani should take his place this Sunday (9 p.m., on France 4 and Eurosport 2) at the Abbé-Deschamps stadium, in Auxerre (Yonne), in the final of the Coupe de France against Lyon.
Even if the regulations would not have authorized it, it came close to the PSG striker found himself in the enemy camp. She may well defend herself, the 25-year-old player, at the end of her contract in Paris, was close to joining OL. Also courted by the American club of Portland, the international tricolor (56 caps) finally extended for three years, convinced by the ambitious speech of Leonardo, the sporting director, and the big salary increase granted by the club.
In what state of mind do you approach this final of the Coupe de France?
KADIDIATOU DIANI. Like any final, we can't wait to play it. We will have good opposition, it is even more motivating. We really like to play this kind of high intensity match. We have arguments to make and we intend to emerge victorious.
You came close to finding yourself opposite ...
No. I feel good in Paris. I am Parisian, I have always supported PSG, even before playing there. This is my heart club. So, it was obvious to stay there. I am really happy to be leaving for three years.
Se queda ❤💙 # Diani2023 pic.twitter.com/nF35pPtVcS
- PSG Women (@PSG_Feminines) May 6, 2020Did you hesitate all the same?
Not really. Obviously, we think a little. But I stayed calm. I knew what I wanted. It's flattering that a big club is interested in you, but my priority and my first choice was to stay at PSG. That's what I did, and I'm happy with it.
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Portland was interested in you too. Have you been tempted by the American adventure?
When I was younger, I almost went to the United States. It is a country that has always attracted me. If I were to leave France one day, why not? To discover a new culture and another football.
What convinced you to stay?
The project already, very attractive. Then I got a call from Leonardo who convinced me to continue the adventure in Paris, even if it was not very difficult to convince me because I am very attached to this club and to this city. I am happy to have been able to exchange with him.
Did his phone call change the game?
I was surprised he called me, I was not expecting too much. It's not every day that we have Leonardo on the phone. It proves that he and the club really wanted me to stay. It played a huge role in my decision. After his call, I extended without hesitation. He told me about my qualities, my way of playing, and told me about the project for women. I understood that he had big ambitions for us. This is what I was looking for. He wants us to bring trophies to Paris. He told me the goal was to win the Champions League.
Do you think you can win it this summer, during Final 8?
Yes. We want to bring this trophy back to Paris, and we will put all the assets on our side. We came back well after the stop. We have a real group, we get along well on and off the pitch. And it's going to be played out every time in a match, so anything is possible.
The club has made a big financial effort. Did that also tip the scales?
It is true. It reinforced my choice to stay. If we want titles, it would be good if the club could recruit new top players and pay the price.
Do you consider that you have a more important status within the group?
I know the club has high expectations of me and I will try to meet their expectations, as I have done so far. I will give myself the means to be even better. Afterwards, I am part of a group, and it is the collective that will make us win trophies. It is not every man for himself.
Are you aware of having taken on a new dimension since the World Cup in France?
I was able to realize that the World Cup had been watched because I was recognized more and more in the street. But it's manageable. I don't have the same notoriety as Mbappé (smile) . I can continue to go shopping or take a leisurely stroll. In the field, too, I have remained the same.
How did you experience the end of the championship?
It wasn't easy because we didn't know how long it was going to last. It was frustrating not being able to defend our title chances against Lyon. It's a shame, but there is nothing we can do about it. They made a good decision. It was wiser. For our good and our loved ones.
