World Cup 2010: Arsenal’s Abou Diaby Desperate To Claim Spot In France Squad For South Africa
December 30th, 2009 | 
Author: Gunners midfielder keen to play on biggest stage next summer.
Abou Diaby is hopeful that his good form for Arsenal this season will help him seal a place in the France squad that travels to South Africa for the World Cup next summer.
The 23-year-old has been a part of most recent French squads despite only having two full caps to his name.
Both of those were won in 2007 and he is keen to add to his tally soon.
“I have played twice but I have been part of the group several times,” Diaby told Le Parisien.
“Each time I learn a lot with the national team, even if I don’t play.
“I would love to be able to show what I am worth and my qualities with this shirt.
“The World Cup represents my aim. I will do everything to be part of that.
“I’m working to go there and I am doing everything to deserve it.”
Diaby has impressed this season in Arsenal’s new-look 4-3-3 formation, scoring five goals in his 13 starts.
He feels that managing to avoid injury has been key, after spending the last four years recovering from a series of setbacks including a serious ankle problem.
They were so bad at one stage that Diaby actually considered retiring from football altogether.
“Since my arrival four years ago I have picked up physical knocks,” he explained.
“This season I am playing a lot and I have got enormous confidence in myself.
“Also the tactical system of the team, 4-3-3, suits me perfectly. I’m developing in this role and I’m blossoming.
“I’m not surprised [by my success]. I knew that it would come when I sorted out all my physical problems.
“I asked myself questions because they were really hard times to live. I started to have enough of football and getting injured all the time.
“I wanted to stop, to give everything up. But I hung on. I worked a lot and now I am getting rewarded.”
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