Edouard Mendy reveals why he retired from Senegal duty

Edouard Mendy says he decided to end his international career because he had represented Senegal in every competition available to him and wanted the national team’s next generation to establish itself without disruption.

The Al-Ahli Saudi goalkeeper informed Senegal head coach Patrick Vieira of his decision before the squad was announced for the September international break.

Mendy said his thoughts about retirement began after Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph in Morocco and continued beyond the World Cup.

“I started thinking about international retirement after winning the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, and that continued even after the World Cup,” he told French newspaper L’Equipe.

“The time was right for me to retire after representing my country in every possible competition. I felt I had done my duty, shared my experience and stayed close to the younger generation to prepare them as well as possible for the challenges ahead.”

Vieira, who has recently taken charge of Senegal, attempted to persuade Mendy to reconsider and remain available for the national team.

“Patrick Vieira tried to convince me to continue,” Mendy said. “He called me and explained his project, his vision and the role he wanted me to play in it. I was very moved by the role he wanted to give me. He is Patrick Vieira, a great player.”

Mendy said he explained his own position but that Vieira continued to press his case.

“I explained my vision and my decision to him, but he still tried to convince me. I asked him for some time to think. I did not want to start a new cycle with this group knowing there was a strong possibility that I would not finish it.”

He said the decision was intended to allow Senegal’s new group of players to move forward quickly.

“I preferred for the new group to settle quickly and find its way, without any disruption connected to whether I continued with the national team or retired,” added the Al-Ahli Saudi goalkeeper.

Mendy made 59 appearances for Senegal, conceding 34 goals and keeping 31 clean sheets.

He won the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal in 2022 and is awaiting a decision from the international court of arbitration regarding the outcome of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Senegal are preparing to face Mozambique and Ethiopia in qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The 2027 tournament will be hosted by three countries: Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.