Profile

Salif Diao was signed by Gerard Houllier in the summer of 2002 after playing for Senegal at the World Cup.

Salif trained at Monaco's academy in Daquar, Senegal and impressed enough to be moved to their first team in 1995. He was at first loaned out to second division Epinal where he stayed for a year. Diao spent three seasons at Monaco but struggled to win a place in the starting 11 as Monaco enjoyed great success. He was transferred to Sedan in season 2000-2001 and caught Houllier's attention. Diao didn't score a single league goal in 77 league games in France but is known for scoring important goals for his national team. He was one of their heroes in their successful 2002 world cup campaign.

Diao is a tough player, who possesses good tackling ability and plays with his heart on his sleeve. It was however soon clear that although Gerard Houllier had faith in Diao's ability, Rafa Benitez did not. So it was hardly a surprise when the player went on loan to Birmingham City in January, 2005.

He picked up an early injury and played in two League matches for Birmingham. He was not given a squad-number when he returned to Anfield and was soon out on loan again, this time to Portsmouth, where further injury problems caused Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp to decide against making the deal permanent.

In July, 2006 Diao had a trial with Charlton Athletic but this did not lead to an offer of permanent employment. The next club to show an interest was Stoke City and Salif joined the Potteries club on loan in October, 2006 and eventually signed a one and a half year deal with them in December, 2007.

Salif remained at Stoke until the end of the 2008-09 season, at which point he became 'out of contract'. However, the midfielder was able to negotiate another one-year contract, which will tie him to the Midlands club until the end of the 2009-10 season.

Other Clubs:

Epinal (loan), Monaco, Sedan, Birmingham (loan), Portsmouth (loan), Stoke