Mo Diame has hinted that he was ready to retire from international football and his decision is final so the last game he played for his country was in January in the African Cup of Nations when he played the full game in the 2-2 draw with Algeria in Group B.
Mo turns 30 in June and like a lot of players that age he has decided to hang up his boots and concentrate on playing for his club, Newcastle United, with the intention of presumably extending his career without the extra burden of International games and all the traveling involved.
Mo Diame – in Senegal’s colors
This is what Mo has said in an interview on the Newcastle web-site today:
“It’s been a big honor for me. I’m proud to have been an international player for Senegal, and to have made my family proud too,”
“For my father and all my family to have seen me wearing the shirt is something that they will never forget, and I’m very proud.”
“It’s been a big decision and a tough one as well, because I really wanted to keep playing for my country.”
“But I need to be honest, and give the opportunity to other players who feel strong and are in better form than me.”
“I have enjoyed a lot of great moments with Senegal, and I had the chance to play at the Olympic Games here in the UK with my country.”
“It’s not an easy decision, but I hope with all the rest that I will get from now I will be fresh to give my best for Newcastle.”
“I know Newcastle is a massive club, and people have big expectations. I know that it is important when you are in a club like this, you have to perform at 100% – even 200%.
“It was important for me to take this decision for the rest of my career.”
Those are good words from Mo and a real bit of class shown at the end of his International career.
We hope that all of our players perform 200% at St. Andrew’s on Saturday because we definitely need all 3 points from that game.
Diame made his International debut for Senegal back in March, 2011 and he qualified because his father was born in Dakar, with Mo being born in 1987 in Creteil, France – which is a suburb of Paris.
He also played in the London Olympics in 2012 as one of three over-age players in Senegal’s squad
He made 31 appearances for his country and will now concentrate on giving his all for Newcastle United.
That sounds good.
Comments welcome.
2 comments so far
WWSBRD
Mar 15, 2017 at 11:49 AM
Comment #1Rotonda
Aye it not wrong we have certainly found a lot more common ground recently, probably have Rafa to thank for it haha
On topic it is quite a thing to give up his international career at 29 as far as I am aware he didn’t struggle to get called up? Certainly been a talked about player for us this season I like him though admittedly he’s been very hit and miss as a number 10 I do look forward to him next year hopefully further back hopefully more like he was for West Ham
Penshawlad
Mar 15, 2017 at 7:00 PM
Comment #2Just looking at Diame’s playing record. He has never been a prolific goalscorer, but caught the eye for Hull City last year. I think he benefitted from playing behind the striker in a more direct team. He scored 13 in 50 appearances for them, and the winner in the playoff final last year. I’m not sure what his role is at Newcastle. He looks great when he makes those surging runs from midfield, but sometimes just looks uninvolved, though I’m sure he covers a lot of ground with that big stride of his. Unfortunately, so far he has frustrated more than impressed. Reminds me of Sissoko. Hopefully the best is yet to come – let’s hope it starts now.