If Adelaide United’s new signing Baba Diawara turns out to be a Hyundai A-League hit, the Reds will have a rival player to thank for getting him to the SA club.
The 29-year-old striker arrived in Adelaide on Tuesday and revealed it was a conversation with Perth Glory star Diego Castro that convinced him to join the Reds.
Baba and Castro were former teammates together at Getafe in Spain.
And the Senegalese attacker said it was a glowing recommendation from the Johnny Warren Medallist that contributed to his move Down Under.
“I have a friend here in Diego Castro. I spoke with him before I signed the deal,” said Baba in Adelaide Advertiser.
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“He is the one who told me about the A-League and how good it is and this club Adelaide United and how they won the championship last year.
“I’m very happy to be here and now I want to meet my new team-mates and work very hard so I can be a valuable member of my new club.”
Despite his 48-hour journey from Dakar to Adelaide, Baba says he is feeling good and ready to be a part of Adelaide’s squad in what is a big few days coming up for the club.
The Reds host Newcastle Jets in Harvey Norman Friday night football before backing up on Wednesday for the start of their AFC Champions League campaign at home against Gamba Osaka.
Adelaide boss Gui Amor has included Baba, Isaias, Sergio Cirio and new South Korean signing Kim Jae-sung as his imports for the ACL, meaning Marcelo Carrusca and Iacopo La Rocca have been left out.
