Mame Biram Diouf gives Ole Gunnar Solskjaer credit for the transfer to Manchester United
Diouf has had an adventurous journey since the shock transfer worth £5 million from Molde to United. Now he speaks of a new life in an interview with the magazine "United Supporteren".
- It is thanks to Ole that I am here. He has helped me a lot, and I look at Ole as a big brother, said Mame Biram Diouf.
Solskjaer and FIFA agent Jim Solbakken were key figures when Alex Ferguson unexpectedly bought the Senegalese in July last year.
And like Solskjaer Diouf came to United as top scorer in Molde FK.
- I look up to Ole for the way he came from Molde and became a major contributor here at Manchester United. Now I want to develop myself and become better and better just as Ole managed, Diouf says in the interview.
Studying Solskjaer
Mame Biram Diouf got a taste of Premier League football already in his first season as a United player. His debut came against Birmingham 9th of January. He also contributed greatly to Solskjaer's reserves being crowned English champions.
- Ole was a fantastic goalscorer. I have DVDs of all the matches and goals of Ole. I study them carefully, says Diouf.
Diouf thought he was on his way to the Dutch club Groningen when he was told of the United deal last summer.
- I think many people were surprised and I was surprised myself. I had played well and worked very hard. Pleasing enough, I was rewarded for the effort. Now the dream has come true. I will enjoy my time here, says Diouf, who likely earns between £500k and £1 million a year as the United player.
Hails Ferguson
No. 32 states that the transfer from Aker Stadium to Old Trafford has been great.
- There is obviously a big difference between Norwegian and English Premier fotball. Here it's fantastically pacey. You must have planned the next step even before you receive the ball, unless you will lose it.
Diouf praises the boss himself, Sir Alex Ferguson.
- I'm not saying that Sir Alex is one of the best managers in the world, I say that he is the best. Of course you listen when he speaks. A man with that experience and whom has won so much, can only help you.
Misses Molde
Mame Biram Diouf played 2nd Division football and attended folk high school when he joined Molde in 2006. He is grateful for the opportunity he had in MFK.
I was there for three years. The best three years so far in my life as a footballer. Norway is a part of me now. I have so many friends there, and I have my brother there, says Diouf.
Mame Mbar Diouf (19) has a contract with MFK until the end of the season, but is now on a loan spell at 1st Division club Sarpsborg.
- I miss my brother and all my other Senegalese teammates in Molde. We were like a family. It's tough, but that's life, says Mame Biram Diouf, who was back at Aker stadium attending Molde - Haugesund when he visited his former club last weekend.
New season
Diouf uses the football holiday to visit friends and family in Norway, France and Senegal. After the holiday, the run up to a new season in the Premier League begins. The battle for a spot in the first team is tough in one of the world's biggest football clubs.
- No matter which club you go to, there will be competition. I love to be in the same club as Wayne, Dimitar and Michael.
- It is a great thing for me, because I feel that I learn a lot from it. Whoever I play with up front, I have a great player next to me, says Mame Biram Diouf to Norwegian fanzine "United Supporteren".
To all you unbelievers.