The Sacrifice of Abdou Diallo: A Fear of Poverty Drives Former PSG Star to the Middle East
Abdou Diallo, a former Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) player, recently made a shocking transfer to the Middle East. While many expected him to follow in the footsteps of his ex-teammate Kylian Mbappe, Diallo’s decision was driven by a deep fear of poverty and a sense of responsibility towards his family.
Soccer not only provides joy, but it also reaches out to the needful. We have seen many players, from Sadio Mane to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, make their lives and impact others through the sport. It is the story of a player who is playing the sport on a mission to keep poverty and hardship away. The aim is to put him and his family in a good space.
Paris Saint-Germain was one of the few teams who sold any unwanted player. Except for Mbappe, the club was ready even if the entire squad wanted to leave. One of its oldest players had already left for the Middle East, providing them an opportunity to recover some funds. Now, another player is trying to fight another battle.
Initially, Kylian Mbappe was the main target of the Middle East. However, after the deal had failed, the target changed to other players. A month ago, PSG defender Abdou Diallo, decided to move to Qatar on a 4-year deal. The move was inspired by personal reasons, with his brother motivating him. Diallo mentioned that the fear of poverty and family responsibilities were the main factors for the move to Asia.
“I played with fear of poverty […] because football was my escape, my social ladder, and an opportunity to improve my way of life.” - Abdou Diallo
Being the eldest of the siblings and his parents divorced, Diallo felt responsible for thinking about his family and its welfare. He said that the sport became a platform for creating better lives and that many players can relate to him.
Even though Mbappe rejected an offer close to $1 billion, Diallo felt better moving to the place where his brother plays. Even though not in the same club, the two brothers will play in the same city. There are some things more important than soccer, feels Diallo. To live together with the family is the most joyful thing for the former PSG player.
Abdou Diallo had also played for the French Under-21 side but decided to leave France for a deal of $16 million. His PSG teammate Marco Verratti also joined him in Doha a few days ago for a contract of $45 million. Already a winner of the African Cup of Nations in 2021, Diallos is confident of making it big, but the current decision seemed better for him.
