🔗 Share this article 'We’re like a family here': Habib Diarra delights in good times at Sunderland. Formal or informal? It reveals much about Habib Diarra that his elation at being promoted from Strasbourg’s Under-17s to the senior squad was mixed with worry over the two distinct words for “you.” Was it appropriate to address new, established teammates by using “tu” be considered too familiar? In the end, the young midfielder played safe and chose the more polite “vous”. This prompted wholesale laughter from the older players who instructed him not to be so silly; he was one of them now. “Once I received the first call with the coach, I reflected and said to my parents: ‘Sunderland’s where I want to be; that’s where I want to play.’ England's top flight was always a ambition of mine and the coach outlined for me a well-defined and appealing project.” Roughly half a decade later, Diarra is settled in an office at Sunderland’s Academy of Light detailing why he ignored overtures from, among others, several top European clubs. His natural politeness endures but it is evident that the 22-year-old Senegal international and doubt are practically unacquainted. Diarra conducts himself with the self-assurance suited to a player who led Strasbourg at the age of 20 and, only last month, returned from Morocco holding an Africa Cup of Nations winners’ medal. A Clear Project With the groin injury that sidelined him for much of the first half of the league campaign healed, Diarra is on a mission to show exactly why he agreed to become Sunderland’s record £30m signing last summer. Analysts in France and Senegal questioned Diarra’s unfashionable choice but he knew all about Régis Le Bris’s reputation as a gifted youth coach. “I haven’t been surprised by the coach’s ability because I already knew what he’s able to achieve,” says Diarra. “Playing against his teams I realised he was very good, very strong tactically. He’s someone I know is helping my game progress. And although our first objective is reaching 40 points, European qualification is certainly a achievable goal this season.” A Family Atmosphere Externally, the chilly February wind and heavy downpour makes Wearside look as bleak as it is often stereotyped. Inside, things are much more welcoming. The atmosphere is free of the type of tension found in certain clubs where administrative staff are deliberately segregated from first-team players. Diarra describes the environment as “very organic” and commends Le Bris’s role in its formation. “Our manager repeatedly states to us that we’re like a family here and we all fight for each other,” he says. “We’re all proud of each other.” Liberty and Structure If the organisation, discipline and immense effort underpinning Sunderland’s out-of-possession shape are a testament to the head coach’s meticulous eye for detail, Le Bris also likes his players to use their initiative. He offers his midfielders full freedom to be creative and interchange positions. “The coach sets his tactics out within a structure but we have freedom to play within it,” says Diarra, who favors playing as a all-action No 8. “Out on the pitch that is empowering. That autonomy is so important. Our captain, Granit, helps us a lot. He’s a massive influence and a fantastic example.” Path and Settlement Diarra is speaking through a French interpreter but his English has advanced to the point where he can understand most questions. He is now concentrating on acquiring the language skills to also answer them, which would be his third tongue. He is proficient in Wolof, the language he spoke in his youth in his hometown near Dakar. His early maturity helped him combat the frustration of needing groin surgery followed by four months out of action last autumn. “Getting hurt so soon after arriving here was frustrating, for sure,” he says. “But it was up to me to handle the situation.” Diarra is now anticipating playing in this summer’s global tournament. Given Senegal have been drawn in the same group as France, a emotional matchup awaits the former Les Bleus under-21 midfielder. “I loved playing for France but my inner feeling prevailed,” says Diarra. “I have no remorse. I was born in Senegal; it fills me with pride to play for them.” Similar emotions apply to Sunderland. “I've settled very well,” he says. “I am really comfortable here.”