I Played for Bissau to Please My Dying Father, Mendy Says as he Commits to Senegal

Newest Teranga Lions’ recruit Edouard Mendy reveals he chose to play for The Djurtus to fulfill his dying father’s wish.

Born in France, the Stade de Reims net-minder opted to don Guinea-Bissau national colors to bring to reality his father’s dream of seeing him represent the Djurtus of Bissau.

The 26-year-old did not go beyond competing for the West African nation in exhibition games against Portuguese outfits Belenesense and Estoril two year ago.

He was shortlisted for the Africa Cup of Nations in 2017 but turned down the request before going ahead to make himself available for the Teranga Lions.

Gaffer Aliou Cisse has reportedly included him for the fixture against Madagascar in September.

“Since I was little, I have always wanted to represent Senegal. Before it was a dream, and as a professional now it became an ambition.”

“My dad told me that he wanted to see me with one of the two national squads, but when I was younger, I said yes to Guinea Bissau to make him proud. However, he saw I wasn’t very happy, and later he said to me to do what makes me happy,” he said.

The development means he will now rival established names like Guinea Conakry-based Khadim N’Diaye, Abdoulaye Diallo and 24-year-old Alfred Benjamin Gomis for the role between the sticks.

Edouard led Reims to secure a return to the big times in the French Ligue 1, making thirty-four straight starts in a campaign that saw the Stade Augustuste outfit clinch the Ligue 2 title.