London City Lionesses have signed French forward, Kadidiatou Diani from Lyon for an undisclosed transfer fee.
Diani had decided against renewing her contract at Lyon after three years which led the reigning French champions to accept an undisclosed bid from London City Lionesses which is rumoured to be around £500k.
The 31 year-old has signed a three-year contract at the CopperJax Stadium – which the Lionesses share with League One’s Bromley, and is excited to explore a new footballing culture outside of France.
“I’m really happy to have signed here. It is an opportunity for me to discover a new country, a new city, a new team, and I can’t wait to start this next chapter.
“I’m excited to meet my new teammates and staff, to work at the training ground and the stadium, and meet the fans.”
Diani also spoke of the challenge ahead to prove that clubs don’t need to rely on affiliation with men’s clubs to achieve success, as she relishes the task ahead.
“It’s an independent club and very ambitious. It’s something which is quite rare in women’s football and something I believe in a lot. We don’t necessarily need to depend on a men’s club to compete at the highest level, win titles and have a lot of success. I believe in the project.”
“I have gained a lot of experience and played in major competitions with my clubs and also with the national team. The WSL is very competitive and I’m really excited to start this new chapter.
“It’s a new, and big challenge, and I love challenges.
“We have objectives, to win as many matches as possible and quality for the Champions League. Winning a trophy for this club would be brilliant too.
“I think we are going to experience a very beautiful season.”
Diani began her career with ES Vitry and US Ivry at youth level before she moved to Paris FC, where she broke through into the first team, where she managed 30 goals in 89 appearances before she moved to local rivals – PSG in 2017 for six seasons.
During her time at PSG, Diani helped them win 2020-21 Division 1 Feminine and two Coupe de France Feminine titles.
Across her three seasons with Lyon, Diani produced 33 goals and 26 assists in 86 appearances and achieved six titles, consisting of; three Division 1 Feminine titles plus one Trophee des Championnes, Coupe de France and Coupe LFFP title apiece.
Last season saw her help Lyon achieve a rare domestic treble of Division 1 Feminine, Coupe de France and Coupe LFFP titles.
Diani represents France at international level with 32 goals in 126 appearances and scored on debut in a 2-1 friendly win over New Zealand in November 2014.
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