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Gaddafi is my friend, says Rangers star Diouf

Senegalese international tells reporters of his admiration for Libyan leader.

RANGERS STRIKER EL-HADJI DIOUF is certainly no stranger to controversy on the football pitch but it is his political “affiliations” which have landed him in the headlines this time around.

Today’s Daily Mail reports that the Senegalese international recently declared his admiration for Colonel Muammar Gaddafi despite the fact that the Libyan leader is currently embroiled in a bloody civil war with his subjects.

With the death toll in Libya now well into tens of thousands, many of whom are civilians, Diouf’s comments are likely to be seen as ill-timed at best.

“Gaddafi is a man who I have always admired,” said the former Liverpool and Blackburn marksman.

I am telling the truth. I know him, and I know his son Saif as well. They are my friends.

Diouf also told reporters that he empathised with Gaddafi as violence flares in the country which he has ruled for over 40 years.

“I do not honestly know what is really happening in Libya at the moment, but it must be very hard for Gaddafi and his family,” Diouf said.

“I cannot remain far away from what is happening in Libya. I do not know who is in the right and who is wrong, but it is a shame to see so many victims.”

Read more of Peter Jardine’s article in today’s Daily Mail >