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And Senegal national team striker El Hadji Diouf admitted to "diving" in order to earn penalties from eleven meters, but added that it is common in the Premier League.
Last Saturday the whole English media quoted the former African Player of the Year: "Everybody dives, not just me."
"Sometimes I dive because, in my opinion, the best player is a smart player," said the Senegalese. "I don't leave my leg on the ground for the opponent to break it. I have to dive even before the contact. Sometimes the referee awards a penalty, sometimes not, but how many penalties from eleven meters have I earned this way?"
"That's football. Sometimes I receive criticism for falling too easily, but all Premier League players do it," continued the striker and attacked "Man Utd" star Wayne Rooney. "Look at Rooney - how many times has he dived to get a penalty from eleven meters?"
Diouf, who has been involved in several scandals during his career regarding fouls against opponents, is well aware of his poor reputation.
"Everyone thinks I'm a villain," said the Senegal national team striker. "I know I have that reputation all over the world. But what's most important to me is that the people around me - coach Sam Allardyce, team staff, and other players - know that I'm a good guy."
