Malian midfielder Mohamed Camara has revealed why he made a decision to join French Ligue 1 side AS Monaco.
The 22-year-old, who was in Malian squad that took part in 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, was signed by the club on a permanent basis on Agust 14 from Red Bull Salzburg.
In his first interview as Monaco player Camara noted he will highly benefit from the club’s style of play.
“ This is the perfect place for me. I will be able to continue my progress in a favorable environment. The infrastructure is magnificent. Everything is professional and all the conditions are in place to succeed! Anyway, you can’t say no to AS Monaco. It is the biggest club in France,” he told the club website on Friday.
“Physically I am already ready if the coach needs me this weekend against Lens. I can’t wait to play my first minutes in Ligue 1 with Monaco and see the Stade Louis-II! In terms of our ambitions, I think we have a high quality squad. Now it will be up to us to give 100% not only in Ligue 1 but also in the Europa League to go as far as possible in the competition.”
On whether Hamari Traore has helped him before his switch to France, Camara said: “Hamari Traoré (the captain of Stade Rennais and also a Malian international, editor’s note) is like a big brother to me.
“When I called him to find out about Ligue 1, he told me that it was a very physical league but also and above all very technical.
“Honestly, he advised me to go for it, telling me that I had the necessary qualities to get by in Ligue 1. I was also able to talk to Takumi Minamino, whom I had the chance to meet in Salzburg he a few years ago. All this convinced me to join AS Monaco.”
Born in Bamako, Mali, Mohamed Camara has made a rapid start to his career. The defensive midfielder, who came through the academy at AS Real Bamako, was quickly spotted by Red Bull Salzburg.
He finally came to Austria in January 2018, after winning the U17 AFCON with Mali the previous spring.
After two loans to gain experience, at FC Liefering and TSV Hartberg Camara joined Red Bull Salzburg for the 2019-2020 season.
His qualities enabled him to make 22 appearances in his first season with RBS, to play in the UEFA Europa League, and to win his first Austrian league and cup double.
Additional information: asmonaco.com
