Sissoko: Call me Dr Octopus

Sissoko: Call me Dr Octopus
Friday 13 February, 2009

Momo Sissoko is enjoying his new nickname at Juventus – ‘The Octopus’ – and reveals the toughest opponents he has ever faced.

“It is my favourite nickname, I find it very cute,” grinned the former Liverpool man who is famous for grabbing the ball in midfield almost as if he had tentacles.”

Yet the rugged midfielder did not begin his career in such a ‘destructive’ role at all.

“At Auxerre I played as a second striker, then Rafa Benitez moved me to midfield at Liverpool.

“When the stadium chants my name, it gives you extra energy and you feel fantastic. Unfortunately I won’t be on the field this Sunday, but I hope to be back against Palermo.

“We are in excellent form, as we proved by winning last week, so we should get the three points against Sampdoria.”

He is injured along with Jonathan Zebina, Dario Knezevic, Hasan Salihamidzic, Cristiano Zanetti and Paolo De Ceglie, not to mention the suspended Vincenzo Iaquinta.

Sissoko is already a fan favourite for his never-say-die attitude and admits he has learned a great deal since coming to Serie A, especially when it comes to games with Milan.

“The best opponent I ever faced was Andrea Pirlo, while the most dangerous forward I’ve taken on is Kaka.”

He takes no prisoners on the field, but off it Momo is a tranquil soul, he told Juventus Channel.

“I don’t go out much, as I prefer to stay home with my wife Sokona and my daughter Aicha. I listen to R&B music and watch basketball on television. My idol is Kobe Bryant.

“At the moment I must confess I’m eating more pasta than couscous, even though my favourite dish remains Tiebe, a Malian recipe of rice and beef.”

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