The defender talks about the achievement

Ousmane Diomande reached the milestone of 100 games for Sporting Clube de Portugal shirt in last Saturday's derby against SL Benfica. The 21-year-old central defender spoke about his career so far to mark the achievement.

100 games for Sporting CP
"It's a spectacular feeling. Time flies and I've played a lot of games in a short space of time. With all the people who believe in me getting behind me, I will keep working and I hope to be able to play even more games. I'm very happy with the 100 games, and long may it continue."

Reaching the milestone in two and a half seasons
"I think it's gone by really quickly. This year, especially, we've played a lot of games: In the Champions League, in the league, in the cup competitions... I've played in so many matches that it feels like it's gone by really quickly. I didn't even know, before the game, that I was so close to 100 appearances."
Sporting CP
"I feel like I'm a different person and a different player. Even during this season we've seen very special things happen. In the last game, the fans were out in force, and it's just spectacular. We'll give our all to make them happy."

Changes as a player in his time at the club
"I think there is a big difference. I've grown a lot as a man and as a football player. I've learned a lot and there are very good people around me here who help me to be at my best. I've developed a lot as a player and I'm still learning."

His first impressions of the club
"The first thing that took me aback was the stadium, of course. I was used to playing in smaller stadiums and so I was very impressed, just like I was on my debut. When I saw the fans I just thought: Wow! I already knew that this was a very big club, but I realised it even more so when I saw the fans supporting the team."

Advice from Coates and Neto
"In the beginning, Seba [Coates] was always giving me advice. I always looked up to him, of course, because I knew he was a top player. As a defender, he was very important for the team. I learned from him and also from Neto's advice. I learned a lot from both of them, because they are very calm and I think that was important for me."

His first game for Sporting CP
"It was against Rio Ave FC, I remember. It was away from home. I don't know how many minutes I played, but we won 1-0 and it was a very difficult game."

His first game at the Estádio José Alvalade
"It was against FC Porto. We lost that game, but I was very happy to play at Alvalade."

His first goal
"It was against SL Benfica. There was a great atmosphere, and it was against a great team, so I went a little crazy celebrating!"

His most special game
"I think I'm enjoying my best moment right now. As you can see, the fans are everywhere and they want us to become champions again. They are very motivated and so are we. We see them on the streets, it's spectacular and I think this is the most special moment. Now, of course, we have to win the last game so that the joy will be even greater."

Playing in the UEFA Champions League
"Every kid dreams of this and, on top of that, I debuted in the competition at home. I just thought about how I would watch the games and listen to the Champions League anthem. It was very special and I will always remember that moment."

The passion of the fans
"It's incredible, honestly. Every time we finish training, they're there. They're always around and always support us, both on and off the pitch. They're with us everywhere. It's fantastic. Even when we play away, after games they come to welcome us home and even at 2am they're at Alvalade waiting for us. It's crazy. I wonder if they even sleep (laughs). It's insane, and I think on Saturday it will be even better. We're really focused already, but this gives us an extra motivation to make them happy, without a doubt."

The influence of Alvalade
"I still don't know how to sing the club anthem "O Mundo Sabe Que," but it's something I like to listen to before the game. I want to learn how to sing the song to understand it more. Honestly, it's really good to hear it."

The two games before the end of the season
"We are experiencing something special for the club and for the fans. We want to be two-time champions. Sporting CP need this and we want to make history at the club. With the support of the fans, who we know are always with us, it only makes us more motivated for the two remaining games. We will be prepared for them."

Words for Sporting fans
"I just want to thank you very much for everything you have done. We hope and know that on Saturday the stadium will be full and we will be ready."