Boulaye Dia, the latest addition to Lazio’s squad, has opened up about the significant challenges he faced before securing his first professional contract. Currently on loan to Lazio with a mandatory purchase clause set at €12 million, Dia discussed his journey and the obstacles he encountered in a recent interview with Lazio Style Channel.
“It’s crucial for me to play at Lazio; it’s a major step forward in my career,” Dia said. “I’m coming off a challenging season and am eager to contribute to the team’s success.
There’s a strong sense of camaraderie here, and Marco Baroni, our coach, is very composed. He doesn’t raise his voice, but he effectively communicates his expectations.”
Dia, who was part of Salernitana last season, which faced relegation to Serie B, emphasized his commitment to overcoming past difficulties.
His first professional contract came with Jura Sud in France in 2017. Since then, Dia has played for Stade de Reims and Villarreal. Despite his current prominence, his rise was not without its struggles.
The Senegalese forward recounted, “From the start of my career, I encountered numerous obstacles. Many clubs rejected me due to my height of 1.80 meters. I was often told I wasn’t tall enough, which was a significant hurdle in my early years.”
Dia’s breakthrough in professional football came later than many of his peers. “It took a long time before I could secure a professional contract.
I was already over 20 years old when the opportunity finally arose. I’m grateful for the support of my family, my brothers, and my friends throughout this journey.
Everything has unfolded as I hoped, and now I’m thrilled to embrace this opportunity.”
Dia’s perseverance and dedication have led him to Lazio, where he hopes to make a significant impact and continue his development.
His story is a testament to overcoming adversity and seizing the opportunities that come one’s way.
