BBC SPORT | AFRICA | Diao relishing French match

In this new series running up to the World Cup, 'Behind Enemy Lines' finds out what life is like for African players who are based in countries they will face at the World Cup.

Senegal international Salif Diao plays his club football in France for Sedan.

The 25-year-old midfielder moved to France at the age of 17 and - like most Senegalese - has an excellent relationship with the French people.

But when the World Cup kicks-off in Seoul on 31 May, Diao will be playing for Senegal against the World Champions in the tournament's opening fixture.

The French are very happy that Senegal are playing at the World Cup for the first time

Salif Diao

And his forthcoming encounter with France has caught the imagination of his Sedan team-mates.

"Every time we train my team-mates at Sedan tell me that I am playing in the World Cup and that I am very lucky," Diao told BBC World Service programme Fast Track. "And of course we talk about the match against France a lot.

"Some of them say that France are the World Champions and will easily beat Senegal but some say they believe we can cause a surprise."

There is also a high level of support for Senegal amongst the French generally.

While most of the France team play their club football abroad, virtually all of the Senegal team are based at French clubs.

"The French are very happy that Senegal are playing at the World Cup for the first time," said Diao.

Diao played for Monaco before joining Sedan
Diao played with some of France's top players at Monaco
"The people of Sedan ask a lot of questions about the Senegalese team. For many it was a big surprise when we reached the final of the African Cup of Nations.

But although Diao is living behind enemy lines there is little he can tell Senegal's French coach Bruno Metsu that he does not already know.

Instead he is just looking forward to the game.

"I think that by now all the people know the French team and I have friends in their team.

"When I played for Monaco I was with Thierry Henry, Fabian Barthez and Emmanuel Petit and I am also friends with Patrick Vieira.

"The game against France will be very special."

Listen to the full Salif Diao interview on Fast Track , on the BBC World Service for Africa on Monday, 8 April at 1630GMT/1730BST


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