On July 27, it was reported that former Arsenal player and striker Yaya Sanogo, who now plays for Qingdao Red Lions in the Central League, recently gave an interview to Eurosport, looking back on his career.
Sanogo said, "After three seasons in Toulouse, which coincided with the epidemic, I was quarantined for 14 days and couldn't see anyone. After the quarantine I went to Middlesbrough and after an examination they told me I had a problem with my shoulder and would need an operation and three months of rehabilitation. My contractual situation was very serious at that point and I went to see a shoulder specialist when I got home. The specialist told me that I didn't really have any problems and that it was an error in the Middlesbrough examination. This was frustrating for me as other clubs thought I was injured. To make matters worse, it was also reported in the press that I had failed a medical, leading other clubs interested in me to believe it as well, which brought my career to a standstill. I was 27 years old at the time."
Of course, we're all human and I sometimes say to myself that my career is over. I remember when I was 16 years old, it was predicted that in a few years France's forward line would be a combination of Benzema and Sanogo. However, I'm a man of conviction, I can't stop and I want to see the end of the story. Sometimes it's really hard. When I was at Auxerre, I considered giving up, but I never really did. It allowed me to grow on the pitch and in life. How many people would have chosen to stop moving forward on those days when I couldn't play, on those days when I was injured?
Currently, Sanogo's contract with Qingdao Red Lions will expire in November. He said, "Several clubs have shown interest in me during this transfer window. I'm 31 years old and have experienced some ups and downs, but I feel as energized as new! Today, I want to enjoy the game on the pitch. I will choose the opportunity that appeals to me the most, both from a competitive and financial point of view. I am open to all possibilities in Europe, Asia or elsewhere."
