Diouf: Why I’ll be a Leeds legend

EL-HADJI DIOUF VOWED to earn legendary status at Elland Road after committing himself to a short-term contract with Leeds United.

Diouf signed a deal until January on Saturday and marked the agreement by turning on the style in a dramatic 3-3 draw with Blackburn Rovers.

The 31-year-old, who spent three weeks at Elland Road on non-contract terms, turned down offers from abroad – including lucrative approaches made from the Middle East – to remain with United on a £5,000-a-week contract, claiming the lure of playing for Leeds had been too strong to resist.

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Diouf said: “It’s not about money or anything like that. It’s about the challenge.

“I could have gone to Qatar, Dubai or somewhere else but the challenge is bigger here. If I help get Leeds into the Premier League then I’ll be a legend. That’s the best I can do.

“Leeds United – everyone knows them around the world. Why wouldn’t you want to help this club to be in the Premier League next season?”

Diouf’s decision to accept a deal came as a relief to manager Neil Warnock who warned last week that United’s thin squad could not afford the loss of an experienced attacking player. The former Liverpool forward raised himself from a lax first-half display to inspire a gripping fightback against Blackburn.

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Leeds recovered from 2-0 down to take a 3-2 lead but were denied a deserved win when Blackburn substitute Ruben Rochina converted a back-heeled goal six minutes from time. United remain seventh in the Championship table going into the international break.

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