Blackburn Rovers forward El-Hadji Diouf enjoys something of the reputation of a pantomime villain within the English game, with fans of opposition clubs ritually greeting him with a chorus of jeers and whistles wherever he has played during his time with Liverpool, Bolton Wanderers, Sunderland and now Blackburn Rovers.

But it is a reputation he revels in, holding the belief that his treatment by the fans is a sign of his effectiveness, with only great players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Didier Drogba enduring similar treatment from the crowd.

"I have appeared in 300 games since I moved to England and I am used to people booing me," he told French newspaper L’Observateur

"One day, Gary Speed told me, 'People never boo bad players'. When the opposite fans hate you it means you are a good player.

"The proof is that Cristiano Ronaldo is the most hated player, I come second and then there’s Didier Drogba.

"When I go to the restaurant with my wife, people look for trouble, but I try to put things into perspective. I built a bad reputation for myself but I always take responsibility for my actions."

Diouf enjoys his life in England though, and insists that he is not interested in moving to another European league, though other lucrative destinations might appeal later in his career, and would prefer to end his career in the United Kingdom.

"The fact that I signed a four-year contract with Sunderland but left after six months proves it.

"Today Blackburn want to have an excellent season - the coach is going to sign good players and achieve what he did with Bolton. I understand that he is ambitious.

"I didn’t hesitate when he called me. But if I receive offers... we will always have offers. But today, I am not interested in Italy or Spain.

"I won’t return to France, but Qatar or Dubai, and the United States as well, are options for the future. I want to finish my high-level career in England and, for the moment, I have a four-year contract with Blackburn."

Beyond his playing days, coaching also appeals to Diouf, who would relish the chance to coach his national side, with Rovers boss Sam Allardyce seemingly something of a mentor on the management front.

"One day I’d like to be this team’s [Senegal] manager. When I see people like Maradona leading their national team, it gives me the motivation to continue," he explained.

"I am passing my badges to become a coach in the future. My manager, Sam Allardyce, gives me advice and is by my side."