Gassama recalls Valencia roots as journeyman striker seeks new club | OneFootball

Sekou Gassama, the 189-centimetre striker nicknamed Pantera, is 31 and looking for a new club after a whirlwind career. Born in Granollers and a Senegal youth international, he has built a reputation as a powerful centre-forward.

Speaking to Sport, Gassama said: "In reality, as a kid I was always Valencia. At school I went in goal because I was a big fan of Cañizares, highlights and all. I also really liked Vicente. I remember always telling my father, 'Dad, I want Vicente's boots'. I also really liked Barcelona and later I had the chance to play there". He added: "At home they told me, 'You are Barça, no matter what'. In the end I am also Barça, but when they ask for my first team, it has always been Valencia".

A La Masia graduate, he moved to Damm, then featured for the B teams of Almería, Valladolid and Rayo Vallecano before joining Valencia Mestalla for the second half of 19/20. He impressed in Paterna, playing eight matches with three goals and two assists.

He shared a dressing room there with Merentiel, Fran Navarro, Fran Villalba, Koindredi, Racic, Guillamón and Kangin Lee.

His form earned a return to Almería and a later move to Valladolid, then a cycle of switches followed, including Fuenlabrada, Málaga and Racing de Santander. Abroad, he played for Anorthosis in Cyprus and USM Alger in Algeria, before Eldense and a half-season at Universitario in Peru.

That Peruvian stint did not take off and he now hopes for another opportunity, preferably back in Spain.

Source: Superdeporte

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