|
|
|
20/07/2011: Ousmane Dabo announces his retirement
|
|
|
|
|
 New England Revolution midfielder, Ousmane Dabo has announced his retirement. The Frenchman picked up yet another injury recently in a club friendly against Manchester United and realising that his career was coming to an end, he decided to hang up his boot:
"It's a very difficult decision for me and I regret not being able to help the club as I had hoped. I had physical issues that I have not been able to overcome so I have decided to retire."
Dabo had two spells at Lazio, capping his Roman career off with the Coppa Italia-winning penalty against Sampdoria in 2009. He will always be remembered as a player who commanded respect and gave his all at times. Laziali have fond memories and likewise Ousmane with Lazio.
In a French interview, Dabo addressed some issues close to Lazio hearts. First and foremost, he was asked about Cisse, but he chose to emphasise that Cisse would be playing under fans who would appreciate him.
"We are pleased with his arrival. I don't know why, but Lazio has a bad reputation in France. It irritates me a lot. I played with the club for five years and had no issues with the fans. It is the opposite, I had an incredible bond with the fans as does my friend Diakite', never had any problems with being black. At Lazio, if you are good, you are good, if you're black, white or otherwise, it does not matter. This stigma against the club has always angered me. I hope Cisse has no problems, I saw he was greated by 300 fans at the airport. 300 fans must be racist, yeah?"
He also spoke highly of the mercato, pointing out a change in approach:
"I'm really happy with the mercato, great players came in such as Klose, Marchetti and Cana. The only unknown is Europe, we were there two years ago but the competition affected the championship. Lotito has not made the same mistakes this time and has strengthened the team in all areas."
Dabo went on to say his best memories in football will be his time at Lazio:
"Of course Lazio gave me the best memories of my professional career. I stayed there for five years and matured as a player. They gave me three titles."
He described the penalty against Sampdoria as "fate":
"I knew before shooting that I would score. Fate had spoken. When I returned to Lazio in 2008, the city, the club, it was not right but that was the cure. The script was written, I could not go wrong. And the fans were supporting us...
LazioLand.com would like to take this opportunity to wish Ousmane the very best of luck in whatever he chooses to do next in life.
(Cathal Mullan)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comments
|
|
|
|
|
| | | |
| Sorry but he's no Legend.. |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| | | | Match Report : Cagliari - Lazio | | Match Report from LazioLand.com for the game between Cagliari and Lazio |  |
|
| | | | Onazi injured, Hernanes in doubt | | Bad news for Lazio as both Onazi and Hernanes are doubts for Sunday's trip to Cagliari. | |
|
| | | | Petkovic: "We want to get to Europe regardless of the Coppa Italia" | | Lazio boss Vladimir Petkovic claims he wants his side qualified for the Europa League before they play in the Italian Cup final. | |
|
| | | | Tare: "Profound respect for Brocchi" | | Lazio director of sport Igli Tare has paid tribute to Cristian Brocchi who announced his retirement today. | |
|
| | | | Cristian Brocchi retires | | Lazio midfielder Cristian Brocchi has decided to retire from professional football at the age of 37. | |
|
| | | | Petkovic: "Win the last two..." | | Lazio boss Vladimir Petkovic wants Lazio to secure a place in Europe by winning the last two games of the season. | |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|