Gelanggang Aliou Dieng Resmi Bergabung dengan Valencia CF

Valencia CF resmi merekrut gelandang asal Mali, Aliou Dieng, dari klub Mesir Al Ahly dengan kontrak hingga tahun 2028 pada bursa transfer musim panas ini. Pengumuman tersebut disampaikan dalam konferensi pers pada Rabu waktu setempat setelah sang pemain menyelesaikan proses kepindahannya ke Liga Spanyol.

Pemain berusia 28 tahun tersebut menandatangani kesepakatan jangka panjang yang menyertakan opsi perpanjangan selama satu tahun tambahan. Dieng didampingi oleh legenda Valencia, Miguel Tendillo dan Miguel Ángel Bossio, serta mantan pemain Mohamed 'Momo' Sissoko saat diperkenalkan kepada media.

"The Egyptian league is unknown? That's just a widespread notion. We all saw the Egyptian national team play yesterday in the World Cup and witnessed the quality of players, most of whom are from this league. I won't comment further; what's important is what I can offer Valencia in the future," ujar Aliou Dieng, gelandang Valencia CF, dilansir dari Marca.

Mantan pemain Al Ahly ini juga membagikan ambisi besarnya setelah resmi mengenakan seragam kebesaran klub barunya tersebut di kompetisi Eropa.

"Playing in the Champions League? It's a personal ambition. I come from a great club and have arrived at Valencia, which is also a great club, but I must wait for instructions and handle things step by step," kata Aliou Dieng.

Dieng menegaskan hasratnya untuk membawa klub berjuluk Los Che tersebut kembali bersaing di papan atas serta mengamankan tiket ke kompetisi tertinggi antarklub Eropa.

"I belong to a club that has won many titles in Africa, which is why my personal goal is to restore this club to its rightful place and play in the Champions League," tutur Aliou Dieng.

Sebelum memulai sesi latihan perdananya, gelandang bertahan ini mengungkapkan bahwa dirinya telah menjalin komunikasi dengan bek Valencia, Mouctar Diakhaby.

"I’ve spoken to him. He’s a very good guy and he’s given me a lot of advice," ucap Aliou Dieng sebagaimana dikutip dari laman resmi klub.

Ia menyadari tantangan besar yang menantinya di kompetisi kasta tertinggi sepak bola Spanyol, LALIGA, namun berkomitmen penuh untuk mematuhi arahan tim kepelatihan.

"It’s a personal ambition. I’ve come from a great club. I’ve come to Valencia CF with ambition, but first I have to follow the coach’s instructions and those of my teammates.

We’ll play in LALIGA and then we’ll see. We have to take the Club where it deserves to be, listening to the instructions and working step by step," sebut Aliou Dieng.

Mengenai peluangnya untuk langsung menembus skuad utama pilihan pelatih, Dieng menyerahkan sepenuhnya keputusan tersebut kepada strategi manajer tim.

"I’ve spoken to the coach and he expects a lot from me. As for the starting XI, that’s his decision. I’m focused on working and adapting as well as possible," jelas Aliou Dieng.

Pemain internasional Mali ini turut membeberkan proses transfernya yang berjalan lancar berkat kerja keras sang agen tanpa keterlibatan langsung dari dirinya sejak awal negosiasi.

"My agent took care of the whole process. I didn’t speak directly with the Club, but when I found out, I was very happy and it’s a real honour to be here," ungkap Aliou Dieng.

Dirinya menyatakan kesiapan penuh untuk ditempatkan di posisi mana pun sesuai dengan kebutuhan taktis permainan di bawah kendali arsitek strategi Valencia.

"I’m a footballer who listens to the coach and my teammates and gives everything on the pitch. My position will depend on the coach. I’ll adapt and give everything I have," tambah Aliou Dieng.

Baginya, kesempatan berkarier di benua biru merupakan impian masa kecil yang akhirnya menjadi kenyataan setelah beberapa kali sempat menemui kegagalan pada masa lalu.

"I’m very competitive and I’m ready to learn and listen, and I hope everything goes well. As a child, it was a dream to play in Europe. I had several opportunities that didn’t materialise, but today my dream has come true. Valencia CF are a great Club and this is going to be a great stage in my career," urai Aliou Dieng.

Dieng juga mengaku sangat mengagumi para legenda sepak bola asal negaranya yang pernah meraih kesuksesan besar di kancah global maupun saat membela panji klub Spanyol tersebut.

"They are global role models and, at national level, they are legends. It’s going to be an honour to follow in their footsteps. I hope to live up to them and, through sacrifice, go even further. I hope to make the Club proud," papar Aliou Dieng.

Di akhir keterangannya, sang pemain memaparkan rahasia di balik ketahanan dan keunggulan fisik yang menjadi modal utamanya dalam bersaing di lini tengah.

"I’ve been playing sport since I was a child. I train every day and it’s also down to genetics," pungkas Aliou Dieng.