Diao: I chose Como for Fabregas

COMO, ITALY – JANUARY 20: Assane Diao of Como 1907 celebrates after scoring their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and Udinese Calcio at Stadio G. Sinigaglia on January 20, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Assane Diao ‘didn’t expect’ to hit the road running at Como, as he scored five goals from his first eight Serie A appearances, insisting that speaking with coach Cesc Fabregas is what ultimately convinced him to join the club.

The Lariani paid around €12m to sign the Spanish starlet from Real Betis in January, and the offensive midfielder has been impressing straight away, scoring his debut goal for the club in his second outing against Milan.

Diao admitted he was ‘able to adapt very quickly’ thanks to the support of his coaching staff and teammates, who helped him settle into a team whose unique football style ‘generates a lot of interest’.

Diao: I chose Como’s project for Fabregas, our football style ‘generates interest’

“I didn’t expect to start this well,” Diao said in an interview published on Como’s official channels, as quoted by TMW.

“Of course, it’s what I wanted and hoped for, but I was aware that I was stepping into a tough league and that the first steps would be difficult. However, thanks to my teammates and the coaching staff, I was able to adapt very quickly.

“Why Como? I spoke with Fabregas, who explained the project, the vision, and what he had in mind for me and for the proper development of the team.

“Speaking directly with him was very important; after that conversation, I had no more doubts and chose Como.

“But I think that anyone who has had the chance to watch a match has been impressed by the style of play, and that in itself generates a lot of interest.”

Diao is just one of the talents Como have signed in recent months as part of a ‘clear’ project aimed at making the team competitive for ambitious short-term goals, leveraging the financial strength of their owners.

“In the end, I think Como’s project is clear,” the 19-year-old continued.

“The club wants to grow, and to do so, everyone’s contribution is needed. I’m happy to have strong teammates like them. Competition helps you improve and achieve your goals.

“Serie A? It’s competitive. I have to thank my teammates and the management for helping me settle into a new environment. I’m happy and honored to be in Italy.”

Diao boasts an impressive goal-scoring average, having scored a net every 134 minutes since joining Como.