The controversial character that is El Hadji Diouf set up the equaliser for Doncaster Rovers in Saturday’s 1-1 draw and thinks he would have won over the Hammers fans if he had moved to Upton Park
The former Senegal international has been a controversial figure throughout his time in England after joining for Liverpool from Lens in 2002 for £10 million.
Since then, he has featured for Bolton, Sunderland, Blackburn, Rangers and signed for Doncaster as a free agent when his contract was terminated when he fell out with Rovers manager Steve Kean during pre-season.
Diouf’s former boss Sam Allardyce turned down the chance to link up with him again at West Ham but that came back to haunt him on Saturday as the 31-year-old was instrumental in James Coppinger’s equalising goal.
And Diouf insisted after the match that he would have proved a good signing for the Hammers, telling The Sun: “It’s a big mistake for West Ham not signing me. If you see from the game, I love Sam Allardyce and he’d love to have me in his team.”
Diouf has twice played under Upton Park boss Allardyce, signing the attacker at both Bolton and at Blackburn.
The Hammers were heavily linked with a move for him before the season began but Allardyce decided against the move, admitting that fans negative views towards the player were a factor in his decision.
Diouf acknowledged the supporters concerns but is adamant that he could have changed their perception of him.
“I was supposed to sign but they said I’ve got a problem with the fans,” he said.
“But I’m a footballer. I can turn the fans around and make them love me. I’ve done that with the fans at every club I’ve played in.
“I love the pressure. I know fans are going to boo me and the more they boo the more determined I am to play well.
“I think like Cantona. When he went to Man United in the beginning the fans didn’t like him. But he turned everyone on his side because he was a wonderful player.”
Shame Diouf doesn’t play like Cantona.
