Diaby- Nimerudi kuwashika

Abou Diaby

   

Abou Diaby says he has “revenge to take over the time I lost” after making a successful return from injury this season.

The France international only managed 98 minutes of first-team action during the 2011/12 campaign, but has started all three of Arsenal’s Premier League games this term.

 

The midfielder insists he was always confident he would prove his fitness and get back to his very best form for Arsène Wenger’s side.

 

“I had some very difficult moments, some days when I was depressed when it was tough. But even then, I always kept faith,” Diaby said in an interview with Le Parisien. “I always told myself that some people were in a worse position than me. 

 

“When you see Eric Abidal [who has had a liver transplant], you think twice about yourself. I just had to get my body sorted.

 

“I am 26 and I am aware that I am at a key moment in my career. That's why it was so important that I came back this season. Last year I told myself, ‘I am injured again, I am nearly 26 and I am at a key turn. Either, I take the turn well and I succeed, either I don't take it and it will become very, very difficult.’ 

 

“Now, I am careful about every detail, I leave nothing to chance. I am much more mature. I also had a full pre-season for the first time in ages. It's such an important season for me that I am working harder than ever to succeed.

 

“I have revenge to take over the time I lost but I want to prove to myself that I can go higher. I am getting to an age and to a time in my career where I need to show what I can do on the pitch in the long term. 

 

“I don’t want to miss out on anything. I know what my qualities are and I want to use them to go higher. I have played three games this season, I getting better but I can do more. Physically, I am only 70 per cent.”

 

Arsenal