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In November 1996, Dia convinced Graeme Souness, then Southampton manager, that he was the cousin of FIFA World Player of the Year and Ballon d'Or winner George Weah, which led to him signing a one-month contract with Southampton days later. Dia played only one match in his short spell at the club.
- 'We Decided He Was Hopeless After Five Minutes'
- 'I Thought He'd Won A Competition'
- 'Le Tiss The Most Talented Player I've Worked With'
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"It's a great story, and it's a funny story. It's not quite what you read or hear," Souness began to Sky Sports. "Someone got a call at the football club... George Weah's cousin or nephew was in England and looking to join a club. He wanted a trial. Matt will know at that time, we had such a small squad, and we had trialists in all the time. "In fa...
Southampton went on to lose 2-0 to Leeds, and Dia - who was hauled off in the second half - would not make another appearance again for the club. "I had the same impression as Graeme," Le Tissier recalled. "I actually thought he'd won a competition to come and train with us. "When he turned up on the Saturday and sat in the changing room, I thought...
Souness revealed his departure from Southampton - resigning in May 1997 having steered the team to a 16th-placed finish - came as a result of a lack of funds to strengthen the squad under new chairman Rupert Lowe. "I went and had a meeting with (director of football) Lawrie McMenemy and the budget to build the squad for the next season was £2m. I s...
Souness, who managed Southampton in 1996, reveals the truth behind the signing of Ali Dia, a trialist recommended by George Weah. He claims they knew he was hopeless after five minutes and blames Matt Le Tissier's injury for his debut.
- 1 min
- Graeme Souness
May 2, 2020 · The story of 'George Weah's cousin' Ali Dia at Southampton has become one of the most legendary tales in English football history.
Dec 23, 2016 · Ali Dia famously played 53 minutes for Southampton after being portrayed as George Weah’s cousin 20 years ago. Two decades after that bogus phone call to Graeme Souness, Dia gives his account...
- 3 min
- geoff sweet
Mar 16, 2017 · In this now infamous call, Weah – or, as we would later find out, someone impersonating Weah – personally recommended his cousin Ali Dia, a Senegalese international, whose CV apparently included a stint alongside Weah at Paris St Germain.
Apr 30, 2020 · Graeme Souness has revealed the truth behind the iconic Southampton substitute, Ali Dia, after apparently being 'conned' by George Weah.
Apr 29, 2020 · Souness received a call from someone purporting to be FIFA World Player of the Year George Weah – telling him his cousin wanted a club. Southampton took him on trial and he ended up...
