Two-goal hero Makhete Diop has blasted a lack of “respect” which took him out of Al Ain’s clutches and into the grateful hands of Arabian Gulf Cup champions Al Ahli.
Diop, 28, was highly coveted in December once minnows Al Dhafra finally put him on the market after a stellar stint which included 101 strikes in 137 Arabian Gulf League appearances from January 2011. The Boss were the first to register interest, but a perplexing last-minute decision to scrap a permanent deal and offer just a six-month loan saw the prolific Senegal centre forward end up instead at Rashid Stadium on a three-year contract.
The Red Knights have reaped the rewards of their faith since, his double in Saturday’s showpiece against Al Shabab taking him onto an outstanding 11 goals in 14 run-outs.
“Of course, I chose the correct club because they show me love,” said Diop. “They showed me I must come, because one team needed me just for six months.
“They didn’t respect me. So Al Ahli gave me respect and take me for three years.”
Numerous offers from clubs such as Al Jazira and Al Nasr were rejected out of hand by Dhafra throughout his supreme – but trophyless – six-year stint in the Western Region. They finally relented this winter, a stance Diop was grateful for.
He said: “When I left Al Dhafra, in my mind I must go on to take trophies. I am very happy and I thank everyone at Dhafra to let me move, and take another step.”
Ahli are blessed with attacking options. Alongside Diop in the 4-4-2 formation, UAE forward Ahmed Khalil is enjoying the most-prolific season of his career with 12 efforts in 17 top-flight games.
The pair’s output has kept legendary Ghana target man Asamoah Gyan on the sidelines.
“I am very happy, as everyone knows they are big players,” said Diop of his esteemed team-mates. “They have all the respect of people from around the world.
“I take so many things from Gyan and Khalil. They show in training that they are big players.”
Diop will hope to continue his fine form on Thursday when the AGL champions aim to maintain slim hopes of retaining their crown against high-flying Al Wasl.