Fulham’s Diop: Smertin is a great signing

Diop told fulhamfc.com: “It’s a great signing; he’s a very experienced player. I played against him in France when I was at Lens and he was at Bordeaux, then I played against him when he was at Charlton. He’s a very good player and I look forward to playing with him.

“Having more competition for places is great for the Club, you always have to compete with players for places in the team. I thrive on competition and it’s something that I’ve become used to. Having good players around you spurs you on.”