(It was just too perfect not to do it)
In a very frank interview in the Guardian today, Djimi Traore has confirmed that he is on the verge of retirement. You might ask why that is of any interest in the grand scheme of things but the man who is often listed as the worst player to ever win the Champions League actually had something very interesting thoughts on his unique cult status.
The former Liverpool utility man has been playing in the MLS with Seattle Sounders for the past couple of years but, let's be honest, nobody really cares about that. That O.G. against Burnley and the subsequent Champions League win will dominate Traore's life for years to come. Guess what, he couldn't care less what people say about any of it.
I’m not ashamed of anything I did about at Liverpool. It was hard for me – when I went there I was 19, coming from a small club in France [Laval] to one of the best in England. When I look back I’m very proud of what I achieved.
When you look at the foreign players who came to Liverpool around that time I played more games than most of them. I know I was not the best but I certainly tried my hardest and I’m very proud because in winning the Champions League I achieved something that few people have.
'Show us your medals' has never been more appropriate. For all the fun people may have at his expense, he does have a Champions League medal, despite his limitations, and all we can say is fair play to him. Work to the best of your abilities and you could end up winning the Champions League, there's something we can all live by.
