He spoke to Offsideplus.az in an exclusive interview where he talked about his target for this season and the background of the viral picture of him and Richard Almedia.

Here is an excerpt of the interview:

Offsideplus: Congratulations on your second call-up to the national team. How does it feel to go back home to represent your country?

Mamadou Kane: It is always a pride to represent my fatherland. It is a childhood dream and I am very happy to get the second opportunity to play for the national team. I am happy it is now a reality and I thank God for that. 

Offsideplus: Your invitation shows that the season has been a good one for you. You played in the Europa League and your team Neftchi is currently leading the championship. What can you say about your progress?

Mamadou Kane: Yes, it shows that I am having a good season and a good year and I hope it continues this way. However, I always thank God for my progress and I am happy with the way my football career is going. 

Offsideplus: Under Samir Abasov, you have played in different positions. Was it difficult for you to adapt?

Mamadou Kane: There are times when the team has some difficulties and as a professional footballer, I have to always help my team and teammates always. For example, in the game against Qarabag, our player had a red card and the coach asked me to play in that position. I have to always think about the team, not just about myself.

Offsideplus: The arrival of Samir Abasov had some positive effects on the Neftchi. What is unique about Samir Abasov?

Mamadou Kane: I think he is a very serious coach and he always wants his players to be serious on the pitch. He is a boss and he doesn't laugh during training sessions. He can laugh with his players outside the pitch, but when he is working he puts in all seriousness.

Offsideplus: Neftchi is on top of the log going into the international break. What can you say to your teammates so that you can all return with the same winning mentality after the break?

Mamadou Kane: I always remind my teammates that for a long time, Neftchi has not won the championship and this is our best time to win it. We talk to each other every time; in the training, in the dressing room and after games. We need to concentrate and take each match as a final. Some of us will go for national duties, but I will advise everyone to rest a bit and train harder so that we will return with a winning mentality. Our objective has not changed and everyone is expecting us to be champions at the end of the season.

Offsideplus: Keisuke Honda recently joined Neftchi. He is a famous and experienced professional, so how do you think he can help your team?

Mamadou Kane: I think he was very well welcome to Azerbaijan and Neftchi players also welcome him very well. I think he will bring a lot to the team. As someone who has played in different leagues and different competitions, he has a lot to offer. So I believe he will really help the team.

Offsideplus: There was a viral photo of you and Richard Almeida of Zira FC. In the photo, he was helping you tie your shoelace. What really happened at that moment?

Mamadou Kane: It was very cold that day and during the game, it was snowing. My hands were freezing, my fingers were very cold. My shoelace was loose and I couldn’t do anything because my fingers were already freezy. Richard came to me and said: “Ah Kane, your shoelace is loose”. I said yes, but my hands are cold. So he decided to help me tie the shoelace and we continued the game. After the game, I called and thanked him because it was a very kind gesture from a senior player like him.

I noticed that the photo went viral. That is what football can do.

Offsideplus: What will be your biggest achievement this season?

Mamadou Kane: To become the champions. Personally, I want my team to win the league.