Monday, 5th May, 2014
Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby admits that he thought of giving up football while he was recuperating from a career-threatening injury last year.
Diaby suffered from a tear in his anterior cruciate ligament in March 2013 which kept him out of action for more than a year.
Since joining Arsenal in 2006, injuries have restricted Diaby to only 123 appearances in eight years for the Gunners. He was though back on the bench for Arsenal's 1-0 win over West Brom yesterday.
"This injury layoff was the longest of my career and when these things happen you wonder if you'll be playing football again”, the Frenchman told L’Equipe
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Diaby admits that he spoke with his family about his desire to retire from football but finally decided to keep fighting as he still believes he can contribute on the pitch.
“You think of giving up everything. I said, 'That's enough, I'm sick.' I spoke with my parents, siblings and friends.
“Then one morning I woke up and I said that for now it is out of the question."
Despite the injuries that have hampered his career, Diaby has managed to earn 16 caps for France and made his debut for Les Bleus against Lithuania in 2007.
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