“Diafra Didn’t Say He’s Leaving Senegal,” Striker’s Agent Claims

Thierno Seydi has refuted claims that his client, striker Diafra Sakho, has retired from playing for Senegal.

The Stade Rennes striker is reported to have said in the aftermath of Senegal’s defeat to Colombia that he is quitting the national team, accusing gaffer Aliou Cisse of favoritism.

A source from Dakar insists the player made the remarks in a fit of anger after being accorded just few minutes against eventual group leaders Colombia in what was his only appearance in the World Cup.

Sakho is believed to have taken umbrage at Cisse’s decision to put Mbaye Niang, Diao Balde Keita and Cheikh Ndoye ahead of him in the pecking order and reportedly heeded his mother’s request for him to quit playing for the Lions.

But Seydi has denied the claims arguing if Diafra chooses to end his career the Senegalese Football Federation would be the first to be informed.

“I strongly reject this rumor. Diafra has so much respect for the federation and the technical staff, that if he has to stop his career, the leaders would not learn of it through the press.

“Diafra has enough respect for Senegal that it does not cross his mind to slam the door on the national team at this difficult moment. He is more than ever at the disposal of the Senegalese national team,” he says.

Meanhile, Amedine Sey, Director of L’Observateur, a journal in Senegal, has countered Thierono, maintaining the player said more serious things than retiring alone.

“Diafra did say he was leaving the Lions. He said more serious things. Thierno (Seydi) is doing his job which is trying to defend his client but he knows fully well that Diafra said it. He said in front of some players that his mom told him to stop. He said he qualified the team but Aliou Cisse disrespected him by favoring others,” Sey insisted.