Babacar Dione first interview

Our new signing, Babacar Dione, introduced himself on the official website of the club, www.apollon.com.cy.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am Babacar Dione. I am 27 years old. I grew up in Belgium, but I was born in Senegal. I come from Lokomotiv Plovdiv in Bulgaria. I play as a winger. I think my main attributes are speed, dribbling, and creating dangerous situations from the flanks. This is what I hope to bring here – creating opportunities, scoring goals, providing assists, and generally contributing to the team’s success.

How do you feel about this transfer?

I think for me, it’s a step forward. That’s why I was excited when my agent told me about the opportunity and interest from this club. I know it’s a big club. I know that, if I’m not mistaken, three years ago, they won the championship and often compete in Europe. I’m familiar with the club, so I was very happy with the interest and excited to accept the challenge.

Do you have any friends who have played for Apollon or in Cyprus?

Yes, I know Amine Khammas a little, who played here before. We have some mutual friends who have played here. Also, with Instagram, it’s easy to follow and stay informed. I know some people who play in Cyprus. Now, some of my former teammates, like Pedro Costa, are at Omonia, Georgi Minchev at AEL. Also, from AEK, I know Imad Faraj. We played together at Mouscron. So, I was already following Cyprus a bit.

What kind of player are you?

I am left-footed, but I like to play on both sides. Cutting inside, going outside. I believe the right side suits me better.

Was there interest from other clubs?

Yes, there was some interest because I was a free agent and I think I had a very good season last year. However, when I learned about the interest from this club, I made it clear to my agent that I wanted to come here. There were offers from the Netherlands, Poland, and Arabia.

This is not the first time you are playing outside your home country, how was your experience in Bulgaria?

It was my first experience abroad. I think it was a positive first experience. I met good people. The club was great for me, the fans, the culture. I appreciated it and learned a lot there. I hope to continue here in the same positive way.

What can the fans expect from you?

A player who will give everything for the badge and the team. I’m a winger, but I know that in the modern era of football, as a winger, you have to contribute defensively as well. I’m someone who fights, who as a winger, tries to create many dangerous situations for the team to score, to shoot, to cross, to dribble, and generally contribute to the team’s success. I put the team first and then myself.

A message to the fans.

I hope they will support us this year, and we will do everything to achieve our goals.