Joseph Assane-Aly: "Playing for Mauritania is more than a choice"
Joseph Assane-Aly played for Mauritania at the age of 20. Pulling on the shirt of the Mourabitounes was more than a choice for him.
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Joseph Assane-Aly, how is your season going at the moment with AS Monaco's reserves?
Joseph Assane-Aly: My season is going well. I'm in the Monaco reserves. You should also know that Monaco have an elite group that travels all over Europe for friendlies. I'm part of that group. I've played almost 25 games with the reserve group. This is my second season with ASM.
How do you see your future in football?
For now, my future is at Monaco. I'm still playing. I can't say much about offers. I'm still under contract with ASM.
At 24, you've spent your whole career in France. Have you never been tempted to go to other countries, or even move to one of the top African leagues?
I've often thought about going to play in other countries. But I haven't had the chance yet. For now, the opportunity hasn't come up. But if a lead comes along, we'll see.
Joseph Assane-Aly: "Lloris and Neuer are my role models"
Born in France, you chose very early on to play for the national team of Mauritania. Can you tell us about that choice?
I came into the Mauritania national team very young, at 20. It's more than a choice. It's my country and it feels natural. My mother is Mauritanian and I went to Mauritania several times for holidays. So when the coach asked me if I wanted to play for Mauritania, my answer was immediate. My father also lived in Mauritania for a very long time. So it's a logical choice and a source of pride to wear the Mourabitounes shirt. I loved what I experienced in that squad and I want to go back.
How did you feel about missing the 2021 AFCON?
I only just missed out on the AFCON. I had spoken to coach Gomes Da Rosa on the phone and he was considering picking me. Unfortunately, he hadn't seen much of me. He would have liked to watch me play a bit more. He got information on me a little too late. I could have had my chance. It's a regret, but I watched the national team's games on TV as a devoted supporter.
Who are your role models as a goalkeeper?
My role models as a goalkeeper are Hugo Lloris and Manuel Neuer. Between them, they have the complete goalkeeper's toolkit. Hugo has incredible reflexes. I grew up watching him. Neuer was the symbol of the modern goalkeeper, playing far from his goal line. He's good with his feet. I like that a lot. That's why I watched a huge number of Bayern and Germany games.