"Moussa Diaby has developed into a fantastic player in his time at Bayer 04," declared sporting managing director Simon Rolfes. "The professionalism and determination, he showed every day in pursuing his career, was really exceptional. Moussa has made his mark on our team in recent years with his unique style of play and incredible pace. With a special style of play, he's a person who has his heart in the right place. We will follow his future closely and wish him great success," said Rolfes.
Diaby scored 49 goals and provided 48 assists for the Werkself in 173 appearances. For the 24-year-old, Bayer 04 Leverkusen is "a really special club. I received so much support and time on the pitch as a very young player that I could become what I am today. Without Bayer 04 and all the teammates and colleagues, who have always supported me, it might not have happened so quickly," said Diaby. "Now I want to take the next step and start a new chapter. I will always be happy and grateful thinking back to my time in Leverkusen."
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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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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Despite the international break, numerous Werkself fans turned up at the BayArena on Saturday 3 October. The occasion: Bayer 04, together with Bayer Vital and main sponsor BarmeniaGothaer, organised a Health Day. In the stadium’s Premium Lounge, guests listened to fascinating talks on the subject of cancer, featuring, amongst others, Bayer 04 record appearance holder Rüdiger Vollborn and former Werkself player Hans Sarpei. Afterwards, young and old alike enjoyed interactive stations such as a grip strength test and eye pupil test.
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In issue #56 of Werkself Magazine, Afonso Moreira offers some interesting insights into his home country, Portugal, as part of the ‘Sag mal’ (Tell me) feature. Among other things, the 21-year-old talks about his favourite places in the country on the Iberian Peninsula, the local cuisine and music, as well as heroes and historical figures beyond the world of football. ‘Sag mal’ with Afonso Moreira!
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