afc Diaby back in full training

[TF S4DK]

Abou Diaby has begged Arsenal and France not to give up on him despite another injury setback.

The midfielder made just his third appearance of the season on Saturday, but managed to play just half an hour before limping off during the 2-1 win at Liverpool. However, the 25-year-old insists his aggravated hamstring injury is ‘nothing serious’ and will keep him out for no more than 10 days.

‘People stick this “fragile” label on me,’ he said. ‘I understand their point of view, but I’m not.’

Diaby seemed to be establishing himself at the Emirates two years ago, making 40 appearances in the 2009-10 season, but has battled an ankle injury for the last 18 months.

Bacary Sagna this week suggested his team-mate would be France’s best player if it wasn’t for injuries, and Diaby insists he is on track to return to his best.

‘I’ve had three operations on the ankle during my career,’ he said.

‘After that, my body was totally unbalanced between my left and right leg. One leg compensated for the weakness of the other - and to put back in its place is not easy.

‘My problem is biomechanical. It will take some time. When everything is back in order, I won’t have pain anymore.’

Diaby, who has previously enjoyed strong praise from boss Arsene Wenger, hopes to finish the season strongly with Arsenal - in time to win a place at Euro 2012.

‘I have to return quickly and, above all, I must be good when I play again, otherwise the coach will not take me. Even if trusts me, I must perform. And I want to repay his confidence.’

[Heero Yuy]

What annoys me about Diaby is i could see him having a sick season, gaining a load of plaudits and then leaving when summer or contract negotiations come around.

He is deffo the type

[TF S4DK]

Dunno a part of me thinks he likes Sagna and loyal, but then Diaby doesnt really speak about Arsenal or anything with passion nor has he really been in the wanted situation before so its hard to call.

The full interview anyway...

Abou Diaby knows he is a NOT a “fragile” footballer, even though he understands why the wider world might make the assertion.

On the contrary, the Arsenal midfielder believes his injury problems are nearly behind him and he harbours no concerns about his future career. In fact, he has “never been as motivated” to fulfill his ‘destiny’.

The 25-year-old was speaking after a week that typifies his ill-fortune. An ankle injury had restricted Diaby to just 26 minutes this season before he replaced Mikel Arteta early in the second half at Liverpool last Saturday. He would barely double that tally before being forced off again.

Fortunately, it is only a minor problem and the France international is expected to return soon. However the knock leaves Diaby in the unfortunately familiar position of battling back. Speaking to the French media this week, he put over his side of the story.

“A lot of things have been said and written about me and I wanted to tell the truth about my situation,” said Diaby. “People say that I’m fragile and although I understand why, I am not fragile.



“I have had three operations on my ankle, all for different problems but the result of that was that my body is unbalanced, especially in my legs. 
I have overused one over the other and to put everything back in place is not easy.



“I get injured,” he went on. “It’s a fact but when people tell you you're fragile, it hurts. Today my ankle is twice as big because of the surgery. My problem is a biomechanical problem. I need to work daily on how to
 rebalance my body."

Diaby admits his injuries have prompted thoughts of retirement in the past. But sterling work with the Arsenal medical team and specialists abroad have banished those now.

“I am not scared for the rest of my career,” he said. “I still have a big future. 
Physically, I really feel very good, like a beast. Unfortunately, I had that little problem at Liverpool but it’s nothing serious and I will start running again at the end of the week.

“There have been times where I thought about stopping my career. You always
 ask yourself a lot of questions in those moments. It’s hard mentally and I had to be strong. But quickly, I went back to a very positive attitude. I know I am going to be fine. I am not a cheat. I have always worked very hard to come back.



“I have never had any apprehension playing football but I have to say that last season I feared a bit to play. It was so important for me to come back to my best level and to avoid getting injured again that I had this little apprehension.”


With his recovery close to completion, Diaby is now philosophical about the journey he has taken but remains resolute about what he can achieve.

“For me, my injuries are a task sent by God,” he said. “I need to go through them to achieve the goals and the dreams that I have in my career. It’s my destiny. I am privileged. Some people have worse problems than me so I cannot complain.



“I am hungry and strong mentally. All those hard times have strengthened me. I know there is a lot of expectation around me and some pressure but it’s a challenge for me to come back to my best level.

“I have never been as motivated as I am now. I want to prove to everybody, and especially to myself, that I can do it. I have faith in what I am doing. I will never give up and I know that I will come out of this tunnel.”

[Fighting Weight]

Does Diaby only eat sweets?

[anelka]

lool at Song being a deep-lying playmaker ahaha icve heard it all now pmsl

Diaby >>>____

[Marly Mar]

i actually LOL'ed pmsl

when he learns to track back properly then he can deveop other parts of his game

[Mame Biram Diouf]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8D24O0bKA0

[Afroman]

[media=]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8D24O0bKA0[/media]

PMSL@ gibbs switchin' at giroud after that miss.

[Seth Rollins]

I've always rated Diaby, and those that remember the Joey Barton incident that he stupidly reacted to before getting sent off and contributing to our 4-4 draw would do well to remember he BOSSED that midfield before his lack of discipline kicked in.

He's box to box. Yeah he holds the ball too long sometimes but even with everyone fit, with what we have in our midfield he should STILL be a regular.

[Seth Rollins]

Think Diaby is finished at the top level, bring in m'villa, Song is our new Box to Box midfielder

[Seth Rollins]

Think his career is over tbh.

Would love to see him go to PSG and become a talisman there

Funny what your name is now isn't it.

[Guest28]

diaby soon be at barca or real next season

if he has a good season with no injurys he will b that guy

i always loved the way he brings the ball forward, hes the guy for the counter attacks

[Heero Yuy]

diaby soon be at barca or real next season

if he has a good season with no injurys he will b that guy

i always loved the way he brings the ball forward, hes the guy for the counter attacks

Basically

[gattsu]

got me thinking aswell what do we do with Jack when he comes back ia diaby is still otd

them good problems

[TF S4DK]

Diaby wouldn't leave Arsenal after just this one season to whoever the club.

He owes Wenger.

[8BALL]

What I think aswell tbh.

Can't see him leaving for sh*t (not next season anyway).

Cue comments about RVP owing Wenger due to his injuries...

[TF S4DK]

RvP will claim he rejected Inter... When Mourinho went there and he missed out winning everything and better wages...

So since then he basically put the countdown on Wenger to win something. He stayed fit, scored goals, and won nothing...

Didn't give Wenger the second chance, and nor would Abou after say this & the next season of him doing HIS part.

[Da Luv Doc]

Nah f*ck it, I'm kinda gassed about this season, Diaby playing sick, out midfield being sick, solid defending and attractive football. When was the last time we were like this?

[Horatio Caine]

for a big man, his footwork is crazy!!

[Michel Kane]

for a big man, his footwork is crazy!!

I hate this comment. I get why people say it, but still...

[Horatio Caine]

its tru tho, hes got quick feet for a big guy. he should drive at teams more often, i expect him to shine at home tho!

lets hope that liverpool game was his "de gea vs chelsea" game....

[TF S4DK]

Nah f*ck it, I'm kinda gassed about this season, Diaby playing sick, out midfield being sick, solid defending and attractive football. When was the last time we were like this?

I understand, but lets see whats good in 3-4 weeks...

[Fighting Weight]

Sad thing is, you already know what will happen with Diaby don't you?

Full season injury fre, shower down, then get to big for his boots and yearn for a move to X,Y & Z

[TF S4DK]

Personally I dont think Diaby wil stay fit.

[Jam]

for a big man, his footwork is crazy!!

I hate this comment. I get why people say it, but still...

Trust. Yaya gets it too much as well.