The Mysterious Case of El Hadji Diouf

El Hadji Diouf. One of Senegal's greatest ever footballing players, yet one of modern football's most controversial talent. Regardless of whom he playes for, El Hadji Diouf always manages to create headlines, on as well as off the pitch.

Diouf first came to fame after a sensational performance at the 2002 World Cup with his native Senegal, leading his nation to the World Cup Quarterfinals and earning a spot in the World Cup All star team. His performances did not go unnoticed, with Liverpool FC for the neat sum of 10 Million pounds from French outfit, Lens. Gerard Houllier believed he could take the Senegalese international to new heights, with the versatile winger also able to play up top, as well as patrolling the right flank. Diouf was seen to possess good skill on the ball and an exceptional workrate, something evident throughout his footballing career.

However things did not go too brightly for "Dioufy" at Anfield, falling into confrontations with club icons, Steve Gerrard and Jamie Carragher. Things reached boiling point after an unsavoury incident involving a spectator at Celtic in a Champions League encounter, with the wide man recieving a fine and ban from UEFA, as well as being charged with assault by local police. Diouf was shifted on to Bolton, where many would claim he played his finest football under manager Sam Allardyce.

At Bolton, Diouf became a fans favourite, notching 21 goals including Bolton's first in European competition. Sam Allardyce's direct style favoured Diouf, who was allowed to venture between a wide midfield role, to the pocket just in behind the man up top. Whilst his goals were vital, it was his work ethic which made him a favourite, Diouf would notch up the most kilometres in every fixture, racing up and down the flank as required. Whilst it was the glory days of Diouf's career in England, it was in Bolton where he gained the notorious nickname of "Spit". On 2 seperate occasions, Diouf spat at an 11 year old Middlesbrough fan, following it up by spitting in the face of Portsmouth midfielder De Zeeuw only a fortnight later. The English FA provided him with a 3 week ban.

Sunderland was the next point of calling for Diouf,  with manager Roy Keane leading a pack of clubs to hunt down the Senegalese international. However the superb performances which made Diouf a house hold name at Bolton did not follow, with Diouf shipped out, resigned by former manager Sam Allardyce who now had the reigns at Blackburn. It was a bargin deal, 1 million pounds, and with Blackburn struggling, heading towards relegation, it proved to be a vital capture, as Diouf led a resurgent Rovers outfit up the table, setting up some vital goals, and grabbing a handful as well.

Controversy continued to follow Diouf, after a fall out with the International set up, he announced his international retirement, with a solid 41 caps to his name. El Hadji also courted more controversy, unleashing a barrage of abuse to a ball boy at Everton, after allegdly having bananas hurled at him. Diouf's career at Blackburn ended after a dramatic FA cup clash against QPR, in which opposition manager Neil Warnock labelled Diouf, "lower then a sewer rat", after apparently abusing QPR midfielder Jamie Mackie, who lay down with a broken leg. He was sent out on loan to Scotland, with Blackburn manager Steve Kean saying that the emergence of Junior Hoillet meant Diouf would not be getting as much match time, and it was a mutual decision.

El Hadji enjoyed instant success at Rangers, winning the Scottish League cup against fierce Rivals Celtic. But yet again, more controversy, as Diouf was one of 3 Rangers players sent off in a fiery Old Firm Derby. Diouf is due back at Blackburn at the end of the season.

As talented as the Senegalese International is, it is clearly evident controversy follows him wherever he goes. What is not reported is what Dioufy does for the community. The Dioufy foundation, launched in 2008, aims to support disadventaged children in Senegal and England. One of the key ideas is to help families with medical costs and travel, as the price of treatment and travel has skyrocketed, especially in Senegal. Diouf has also been involved in severable Charitable causes with Blackburn, visiting local hospitals and sports clinics.

Opinions on Dioufy differ. 95% of Blackburn, Sunderland, Bolton and Rangers fans would praise Dioufy. The rest of the footballing community would detest him. One thing is for sure, on the pitch, Dioufy is up for the fight, his work ethic unmatched, and his happy go lucky attitude adored by those in the sheds with him....Unless of course you happened to play for Liverpool at the same time as Mr Diouf!

El Hadji Diouf, the man the opposition fans love to hate...