Diakite says he wants to stay at Rangers
Samba Diakite has urged Chris Ramsey to give him a chance to resurrect his QPR career.
The midfielder, 26, made a major impact following his move to Loftus Road from Nancy in 2012 but subsequently fell out of favour and has not made a league appearance for Rangers for more than two years.
Diakite, who had a brief loan spell at Watford the season before last, was loaned to Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad last term.
Now back in London, and having featured for QPR during pre-season, he is determined to see out the remaining year of his contract and wants head coach Ramsey to give him an opportunity.
“I have one more year on my contract with QPR and I want to stay until the end of my contract,” Diakite said.
“I’m ready to play, I just want somebody to give me a chance. I want to stay here and I hope the manager is going to give me a chance.
“I’m very happy to be back with QPR and I’m enjoying it. I like the atmosphere in the team, everybody wants to work hard.
“For me the last two years have been difficult but now I’ve come back I’m very happy.”
Diakite has told Ramsey he believes he could be a useful option at right-back – a position the Mali international played in during the early part of his career.
His chances of re-establishing himself as a midfielder at Rangers look slim, especially given the recent signings of Tjaronn Chery, Massimo Luongo, Ben Gladwin and the versatile James Perch.
But Diakite is convinced he would impress in the Championship playing in his preferred role.
“I used to play at right-back and I like that position – I think I can play very well in that position,” he explained.
“But for me now, midfield is my best position. I can help the team and do many things in that position.
“In pre-season I’ve played at full-back and on the left wing – wherever the manager wants me to play I will play. I’m here to play for the team.
“I want to play in my position, but if the manager puts me at right-back or whatever then I’m going to play, no problem. I just want to stay and play for the team.
“I played in the Championship for Watford and the division is very physical. I think I can play well and do many things well in the Championship.
“If I leave QPR it’s not because of me. I want to stay.”
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05/08/2015 @ 4:19 pm
The problem with Samba was not being up to speed in EPL football – late tackles earning too many cards and giving away unnecessary free kicks. On the other hand he showed a great deal of skill on the ball, had imagination and worked 110%. I reckon he’s worth another chance at Championship level.
05/08/2015 @ 3:34 pm
Give samba a chance. He’s a good player and has discovered his desire to play for QPR.
05/08/2015 @ 1:17 pm
I really hope he gets a chance. He’s skillful, a good age and has pace and refreshingly has no interest of going elsewhere. Has looked great in pre-season too.