Diego: It’s my dream to play in the Premier League
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Your support makes all the difference.After a troubled campaign with Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg, two-time Copa América winning midfielder Diego is plotting a route to England. The Brazilian caught up with The South American Football Show in association with The Independent.
Things seem to have turned sour for you at Wolfsburg, what can you tell us about the situation Diego?
Last season was very difficult for us even if it ended well as we managed to avoid relegation. I hope that things get better for the team next season even if I don’t stay because I like Wolfsburg as a club. However, now I think it’s best if the club and myself go in different directions. I hope the move can work out well for everyone.
Whilst speaking to Bayern Munich’s new acquisition Rafinha he told us that he found life impossible under manager Felix Magath whilst playing for him at Schalke 04. How is your relationship with Magath?
I think Felix Magath and myself share very different ideas from each other. Of course I respect him because he is the boss but it has been difficult for us to work together. We have sat down and talked and we both think it’s best if I move on.
It seems Liverpool’s director of football Damien Comolli is a big fan of yours. Has there been any contact between Liverpool, Wolfsburg and yourself?
I prefer not to mention the names of clubs out of respect for the managers and the owners but it’s true that there is contact with some clubs in England. Of course I will give these offers special attention because it’s my dream to play in the Premier League.
So despite interest in you from clubs all over Europe and back home in Brazil you would say England is your preferred destination?
At this moment England is where I want to play. We are just starting to have conversations with clubs so it’s too early to say where I will be going, but it would be perfect if I can play in the Premier League.
You’re still only 26-years-old Diego but already over £50 million pounds has been spent on transfer fees to sign you. What kind of offer do you think Wolfsburg will accept to let you go?
I have no idea in this moment of the exact fee but I think because Wolfsburg and myself both want the same solution it will not be so difficult. When everybody wants the same outcome it makes things easier but I have not been told a number yet.
Listen to the full interview, including Diego’s views on his old club Santos and his future with the Brazilian national team, on The South American Football Show in association with The Independent.
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