In an FA Cup classic, Amad Diallo defeated arch rivals Liverpool, but the referee made him the villain.
He celebrated with his shirt off as his strike escaped Caoimhín Kelleher in the Reds goal, kissed the post, and bounced over the line at Old Trafford, delighting the Stretford End.
10Amad Diallo celebrates scoring the winner against LiverpoolCredit: EPA
Ivorian teenager Amad’s low shot past Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher.Credit: Getty
He was filled with passion and forgot he was on a yellow card, forcing John Brooks to give the 21-year-old a second yellow.
He didn’t care as he struggled down the tunnel. Fans were chanting the Ivorian’s nаme, and the £37million Atalanta signing had arrived.
“I think that is the best goal of my career,” a delighted Amad told ITV after playing on an empty stomach during Ramadan.
Sunderland supporters may sаy he scored more at the Stadium of Light in 2022-23.However, his excitement showed that he had overcome his past..
Leaving Ivory Coast behind
At 10, he left Abidjan with his brother for Italy.
They moved to Parma, where young Amad played for Boca Barco.
After receiving attention from many Serie A teams, the teenager joined Atalanta in 2015 and became one of Europe’s most sought-after youngsters.After receiving it, the Italian football federation (FIGC) disclosed Amad and his brother were involved in child trafficking.
They said five people brought Amad and his brother, Hamed Junior Traore, into Italy on a family visa from Ivory Coast.
Amad and Hamed, now a Bournemouth player, were supposed to be raised by Mamadou Hamed Traore and Marina Edwige Carine Teher, according to the phony paperwork.
The FIGC said the two adults were not their parents and questioned Hamed’s brotherhood.
According to a cleverly written FIGC statement, Amad used the fictitious identity Traore Diallo Amad to sign his first professional contract with Atalanta on July 11, 2018.
Other non-registered subjects (Traore Hamed Mamadou and Teher Marina Edwige Carine) attempted to acquire fraudulent or altered papers to avoid Italy’s admission and membership restrictions as non-EU citizens living in Italy.
“They used fake kinship papers to claim to be the footballer’s parents.
“Finally, for himself, to obtain subsequent membership cards with companies affiliated with FIGC, continuing to use the false certifications that had allowed him to settle in Italy with fictitious parents.”
10Aspiring footballer Amad poses with Paul Pogba
10Atalanta gave Diallo his first team debut in 2019Credit: Getty
1Manchester United bought Amad for £37m.Credit: Getty
The FIGC accepted a plea deal from the couple, who were fined £42,000. The case ended in 2021..
Moving on
The United winger changed his nаme to ‘Amad’ on the back of his No16 jersey to dissociate himself from the incident.
Despite few Theatre of Dreams opportunities, his growth has remained unhampered.
While on loan with the Mackems, he became a fan favorite.
Many felt the bet on an unknown prоspect who had just four appearances for Atalanta before United invested large was a waste after an unimpressive loan at Rangers.
He needed a Championship stint to start his career here.
After four months, Amad scored three goals in five games in December 2022.
10An underwhelming spell at Rangers in Scotland made many question if United had wasted their moneyCredit: Willie Vass
10However, a loan spell at Sunderland would give him the confidence he neededCredit: Getty
1Past Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray knew how to maximize AmadCredit: Reuters
His efforts won him EFL Young Player of the Month.
He single-handedly got Sunderland into the playoffs and was a headache for opponents.
Tony Mowbray optimized his talents and gave him freedom to play.
Diallo’s social media well-wishes for Mowbray’s dismissal this season were apt.
His Instagram story included a picture of the manager and the caption: “Thanks for helping me train. Good luck, boss.”
Amad finished 2022-23 with 14 goals and 4 assists in all competitions.
A magnificent goal against Luton Town in the playoff semi-final wasn’t enough to get his team to Wembley.
He did it with United, who play Coventry City next.Maybe he just launched himself into Erik ten Hag’s first team plans.
He must serve that pesky suspension in their next Premier League match against Brentford..
10Amad was unfortunately sent off after taking his shirt off celebrating his late winnerCredit: AP
10Amad will now surely force Erik ten Hag’s hand in giving him more first team opportunitiesCredit: Rex