Mohamed Diame hails Hull's Wembley winner as most important goal of his career

29 May 2016 11:53

Hull midfielder Mohamed Diame admitted his play-off final winner in Saturday's Wembley showpiece was the most important goal of his career so far.

The Senegal international settled a tense encounter against Sheffield Wednesday with a stunning 25-yard strike to fire City back to the Premier League.

"I don't know if it's the best goal I've ever scored, but it's definitely the most important," he told the club's official website.

"It's been a long, tough season but we've done it.

"Now we must enjoy this achievement and celebrate it. I am delighted."

For Hull manager Steve Bruce it was a fourth promotion to the top flight and justified his decision to stay with the club following relegation a year ago.

Bruce had offered his resignation but was persuaded to stay by owner Assem Allam and the Tigers are now reaping the reward of an estimated £170million windfall.

"It's been a difficult season for one reason or another," said Bruce.

"At the start, people were concerned that we were selling all of our players and some were even asking whether we could be relegated for a second successive year.

"There was difficulty around the place, but by the end of August I felt that we still had a nucleus of very good players.

"We bought wisely and one of our big players, Mo Diame, has won us back our Premier League status.

"On the big stage and on the big occasion, he has come up trumps for us."

Promotion proved a step too far for Wednesday, who were second best on the day but have exceeded expectations all season.

Portuguese boss Carlos Carvalhal will not be joining his friend and countryman Jose Mourinho in the top flight just yet, but he insists the future is bright for the Hillsborough club.

"After what we achieved this season we all know that we can look forward to the future," he said.

"I think this club will get more respect and that is a positive thing for Sheffield Wednesday."

Source: PA