It certainly wasn’t a new feeling for Diaby. After all, this was the second time he’d arrived in Leverkusen as a new signing. There were plenty of familiar faces there to greet him, but also many new ones who greeted him as he ran out onto the pitch among his teammates.
The fans in attendance outside the BayArena got to watch Diaby and the team warm up, go through their paces and finish with a match. Eliesse Ben Seghir also featured for much of the session. The Morocco international will now wear the No.29 shirt.
The Werkself’s final signing of the summer, Doué, was on a neighbouring pitch working alongside Martin Terrier, but the new man came over at the end of the session for a kick-about with his new teammates Diaby, Edmond Tapsoba, Victor Boniface and Loïc Badé.
Speaking to media after the session, Diaby said, “It’s great to be back. Some things have obviously changed, but on the whole I know the club, the pitches, the city and the fans. It makes starting out easier, as does the high quality of my teammates. We want to work together to build a good unit and will give our best for that.”
Asked about fellow Francophone Doué, who could play behind him on the right wing, Diaby answered, “It’s great. I know him from our time in France. He’s got great potential, is quick, big and physically strong. I’m excited about him.”
Diaby also expressed thanks towards the Bayer 04 management for the fact he will get to play in Leverkusen again. “Saudi Arabia was a good experience, but I wanted to come back here. So, thanks again to Simon [Rolfes] and Fernando [Carro], who fought for me. I hope to repay their trust on the pitch and am excited about my first game back at the BayArena. I’m older now and think I can help the team. We want to show on Saturday how Leverkusen fight as one, and I hope we can get a win for the fans.”
The Werkself play their first home fixture of the new season against Union Berlin on Saturday (15:30 CEST).
Diaby finished off by making his way over to his teammates with the fans, giving autographs and taking selfies. Many supporters had pulled out their old Diaby kits from several years ago. Others had already got their hands on the current design with his name and wanted them signed. Doué’s name was also seen on some shirts. One fan even had both to hand – the European kit with Diaby and the home jersey with Doué.
Fans also have the chance to win a Diaby kit in our sweepstake.
The Bayer 04 women’s team secured a win in the friendly during the international break. Without a total of eight international players, coach Roberto Pätzold’s team defeated Bundesliga 2 side Borussia Mönchengladbach 3–1 at the Kurtekotten Training Centre, thanks to goals from Lobke Loonen (1’, penalty), Caroline Kehrer (41') and Valentina Mädl (66').
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Exciting experiences and exclusive insights into the Werkself and the BayArena awaited the young footballers from the BA04 Football Academy Guangzhou in China during their visit to the Rhineland this week. As well as taking part in a joint training session with the Bayer 04 Football Academy, the youngsters marvelled at the Bundesliga club’s stadium during a guided tour. The highlight of the visit was a private press conference with former Bayer 04 striker Stefan Kießling, during which he shared tips from his own career with the young players. On Saturday afternoon, 10 October, the group will round off their visit by supporting the Werkself in the away match in Mainz.
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During the first international break of the 2026/27 season, set to last just under three weeks, nine Bayer 04 first-team players are in action with their respective national teams. Read on for updates on matches featuring Werkself players…
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Fun, games and promising talent: At the fourth Bayer 04 Junior Girls’ Talent Day at the Kurtekotten training centre, 90 football-mad girls had the chance to put themselves forward for the Werkself youth teams. During a 90-minute training session, children born between 2011 and 2019 had the chance to demonstrate their skills.
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