“I wanted to get as Ronaldinho. I had a difficult childhood” “The first impressions about Bucharest

Born in Paris, Karamoko did not have an easy childhood. The Frenchman comes from a large family and has many brothers.

Fascinated by Ronaldinho, the dribbling and smile that the Brazilian magician always displayed on the field, the striker began playing football in Paris FC at the age of 11.

He says that the most beautiful moment in his career was when he played in the Champions League, in 2022, when the team, Copenhagen, faced Manchester City. Even though he suffered a defeat, the footballer testifies that he has lived a dream.

VIDEO. The story of Mamoudou Karamoko: “I wanted to become Ronaldinho”

– Hi, Mamoudou! How did you start football? What age?
– I started at 11 years old. But on the street I was playing with friends. Maybe at 3-4 I started on the street. I entered Paris FC at 10 and now I'm here.

– What was your first professional team?
– Lask Linz in Austria. There I signed the first pro contract. I was very happy, because it was my dream to sign that contract.

– Why did you choose football? What do you like most about football?
– Because I was watching him on TV when I was a kid. Now football is not the same. Previously there were some players, special players, like my idol Ronaldinho. So I used to follow him and wanted to become like him.

– What did you like in Ronaldinho?
– dribbling. The joy of playing. He always rejoices, he was always smiling.

– What was the most important moment of your career?
– I would say when I was in Strasbourg, in the Academy. They did not give me the pro contract. In the end he must say yes or no. And they said no. Afterwards, I met my agent. And he gave me an opportunity in Germany. I went there, I think it was in the 4th or 3rd Division. I don't remember exactly. And I went there, I played a match well. And after, the Wolfsburg Scout was there, I think. I should have signed for a 3rd Division club. But they said no, wait, come to Wolfsburg, we do a test, we will see. I went there, I played. Then they said ok, we sign you. And I think this was the most important step in my career.

– What was the most beautiful career moment so far?
– For me, it was when I played in the Champions League. It was an extraordinary feeling. Because it was a dream. Even though I lost 5-0 score, it was a dream of this type of competition. So it was a good experience.

Mamodou Karamoko, the new Dinamo striker

– What was the hardest opponent you met?
– Manchester City. It was hard to play there. With such players, it's also difficult. It's not the same level. Even Copenhagen was a very good team, but City is one step forward.

– How was it to have Neymar's opponent?
– I had 19 or 18, something like. It was crazy because it was very good, simply crazy. But it was a good experience. It was against PSG, with Strasbourg. In the France Cup. But it was good to see it in reality. You know how to play, how to move, it was fine. Also Brazilian, like my idol.

– How was your childhood?
– It was difficult, but I would say that my parents didn't let me feel it was very hard. So, it was simple. School, at home, play with friends, and … about that.

Karamoko comes from a large family: “We are 3 boys from my mother, and my father's wife has 7 children-3 girls and 4 boys. In total we are 10!”

– Do you have many brothers?
– QIn total we are ten. We don't have the same mother. But, yes, if I number everyone, we are ten, boys and girls. When we are all together, it's not quiet. Everyone talks about each one. Everyone together is fine. That's a family.

– And are they all passionate about sports and football?
– A girl plays handball, my little sister, and the other girls don't care about it. They are with their husband, they have children. Simple.

– How do you think Romania and Bucharest?
– It's normal. It's good. It's a big city. Good weather too. So, for me it's fine. It's ok.

– What is the hardest thing to adapt in Romania?
– For me, nothing, because I am here, I have no problem with anyone.

“But the food. How's it for you?”
– I didn't go and try the food from here yet, so I don't know.

– Also, in Bucharest there is a lot of traffic. Is it hard for you?
– No, because I don't live in the city, so it's not hard for me.

– Do you have any message for Dinamo fans?
“What can I say?” I can say that, please boys, always sit with us. Whatever the situation, we lose, we win, we need you. And we will do everything to get where we can.

– What do fans don't know about you?
– This question is difficult because I don't know. As a player … they know everything, I think. Game every weekend. More than a match, so now I'm starting to know how to play.

– What are your top three qualities of yours as a football player?
– I have speed. I can dribble. I have strength. So I think these are my first three qualities.

– What is your greatest goal in the future?
– The biggest goal is to play at the World Cup with the ivory coast. This is the biggest goal. I hope to achieve this goal. But it will be difficult, it will be difficult.

– Do you have a favorite championship?
– I would like to play in the future in the Bundesliga in Germany. Because I played there and for me it was fine. It's a very open championship. It's a lot of space, so it would be fine for me.