Dia: "Joining Lazio Is A Significant Step For Me, And It Means A Lot. The Team Feels Like A Family, With A Great Atmosphere In The Locker Room."

Boulaye Dia shares his journey. The striker gave his first interview as a Lazio player to Lazio Style Channel, reflecting on his career and ambitions. Here’s what he had to say:

"My journey has been long and full of challenges. From a young age, I faced many obstacles, with clubs often rejecting me due to my height. It took me until after I turned 20 to sign my first professional contract. I had to overcome many hurdles, including working in a workshop and getting up at four in the morning to support my family financially. Eventually, I got the opportunity I had been waiting for to repay the support of my family, brothers, and friends. Now, I’m grateful to be enjoying this privilege."

"Joining Lazio is a significant step for me, and it means a lot. My focus is on playing football and helping the team achieve its goals, especially after a tough season. As for Coach Baroni, he’s calm and communicates well without needing to raise his voice. The team feels like a family, with a great atmosphere in the locker room. Regarding my choice of the number 19 jersey, my favorite number, 11, was taken, so Loum (Tchaouna) suggested 19 since he has 20. I’ve only played with Tchaouna for six months, but he’s already shown great improvement. He’s young, talented, and has plenty of time to grow."

"Competition with Castellanos? It’s healthy and benefits the entire team. Strong competition pushes everyone to improve. For me, it’s important that my teammates have the quality to beat their opponents and provide us with scoring opportunities. Keita Balde? I haven’t spoken to him yet, but I’ll reach out soon. We’re both Senegalese, and I remember him from his time at Lazio, as well as Klose, who scored many goals. Scoring against Liverpool for Villarreal in the Champions League was significant, but the goal I scored for Senegal against Qatar in the 2022 World Cup was equally important. As a father, I strive to set a good example for my son and my entire family."

"Hobbies? I’m into fashion, though I’m pretty low-key about it. I also follow basketball, and LeBron James is my favorite player. The first game I watched featured Iverson. Music? None from Italy (laughs). Work? I studied to be an electrician, but I didn’t work in the field much—just have a diploma. Once, when I was at Rennes, a teammate jokingly asked me to fix something at his house because I’m an electrician (laughs). As for celebrations, I don’t plan them; they come naturally when I score. Nickname? Just Dia. I promise the fans I’ll do everything I can to honor the jersey."