Diouf calls for summer date for African Nations

El Hadji Diouf, Liverpool's Senegal international believes the African Nations Cup should take place in the summer, like the European Championships.

"Maybe the tournament should coincide with the European Championships in the summer, but it is nothing to do with the players," the midfielder said. "We have no control over when the competition is held. But it is not easy for us, because we do not get a break at all and it makes the season very hard."

Diouf added: "The timing of the competition is bad for everyone... I would rather not have to be going away at this point. But now I am going I would rather not be back quickly, because I want to go all the way."

The tournament also disrupts Diouf's Anfield career just when he has started re-producing the form which first encouraged Liverpool to sign him for £10m from Lens. He added: "It is a difficult time to leave because we are on a good run, but I have to play for my country. I will keep in touch with Liverpool's results."