This will be printed in the next LFC Magazine:
The first thing you detect when speaking to Djbril Cisse is his desire to play for Liverpool FC.
Actually it's stronger than a desire. It's a passion. Certainly, Auxerre's hughly rated hit-man has targets to achieve before he hopes, his long awaited move to Anfield is sealed next summer. But the turbo charged striker would love to switch to fast forward.
Having bagged 62 goals in 119 league matches (18 in 29 this season) prior to last weekend's with Toulopuse Cisse has become one of Europe's most sought after stars. So the fact that he is willing to turn down offers from Real Madrid and such other giants to join Liverpool, possibly surrendering Champions League place in the process must be welcomed. Treasured even.
But why the reds? "A few club's have been interested. But I always wanted to play in England, particulary for Liverpool because I first heard their interest in me two years ago."
"Back then they were the only club to show a real interest. I am a man of my word, and I gave my word to Liverpool. I came to a verbal agreement with Mr. Houllier. Liverpool have kept their word and I have too. I am very happy."
Djbril recently expressed his heartful wish for Gerard Houllier to remain as manager next season. That is still so. But I ask him if having a compatriot as manager influenced his choice of destination.
"No. I just had the desire to come to Liverpool. It wasn't due to the fact that they had a French manager. But, of course, I hope Mr. Houllier stays at Liverpool. It would be very good for me. I'm sure there won't be a problem.
It is the man more than his nationality which Cisse appreciates. Houllier first expressed serious interest in him in the summer of 2001, after the player had finished second top scorer at the World Under 20 Championship in Argentina.
Despite the boss's friendship with his Auxerre counterpart, Guy Roux, and despite the player's wish to be a red for the 2003/2004 campaign, Roux insisted on keeping Cisse for this season, even persuading him to extend his contract until 2007.
However, even though neither club has confirmed the speculation, as far as Djbril is concerned, he'll be a Liverpool player next season. After all, he admits to having been over and to having begun English lessons.
"I really wanted to play for Liverpool as soon as possible, but it doesn't matter that it didn't happen this season. I'm not the kind of person who causes problems. I had no intention of creating any problems between Auxerre and Liverpool. Auxerre wanted me to play for another season and that was fine with me."
"I made it my aim to be able to leave on good terms with both myself and my club."
Nevertheless while Champions League football may be a requirement for some players next season, Cisse insists je would not be put off if it was missing at Anfield.
"No, not at all. You know all clubs go through difficult periods at some time or other. There is bound to be the occasional dip now and again. That doesn't worry me."
"If there is no Champions League for Liverpool next season, then that's too bad. But the thing that interests me most is the club."
And Cisse is really interested. He follows the reds' results closely. He knows what's happening. And if his proposed transfer does go through, he intends to give himself the best chance of succeeding.
"I've been to Liverpool around two or three times already. And I will be returning there soon to sort out a place to live."
"Yes, I am taking English lessons. I don't want to be behind in any way by the time I arrive."
I tell him that the best way to cope is by learning vulgarities first. "Well, we'll see." He says rather sheepishly and then bursts into laughter on hearing that it's exactrly how El Hadji Diouf managed to cope. Thanks largely to a crash course from Emile Heskey!
Cisse goes onto to talk about Michael Owen, a player with an uncertain future at Anfield. "For me it would be a pleasure to play alongside Michael Owen. Just to be with him in training would be great. I would love him to stay at Liverpool. I think we could work well together."
Pace is an important part of Cisse's make-up and the Auxerre man believes he could use it to good effect in a league where there is less man to man marking than he has been used to.
"First of all, players get a lot of space in England. Another thing I like is that the game is so attacking over there. Teams go forward all the time. I like that style of play and I think that suits me best."
Cisse who has already experienced Anfield in last season's UEFA CUP says he appreciates it greatly. "Oh, that was fantastic! I really believe that every player wants to play in a stadium like that and in front of supporters like that."
"The atmosphere was great when I played there last season. You could really feel the passion and the fervour which the people had for the players.
A few more quites from Cisse to end the interview:
"If I went to Portugal for Euro 2004, it would mean me missing around three weeks of training and that's hard to make up."
"If I'm not involved over the summer, I will have a month to get myself ready for Liverpool. It will allow me to be in the best condition for when I start at my new club, which is important."
"I will do everything to help this club, I promise that. I will give the maximum to take the club as high as possible. It won't just depend on me, but you can be sure that for my part I will do my best.
