Assane Dioussé remains determined to reclaim his place in the Senegal national team, years after his last appearance in the country’s colours.
The 27-year-old midfielder, currently at AJ Auxerre, has reiterated his unwavering desire to return to international duty, insisting that representing his country remains his ultimate goal.
“I always have the national team in the back of my mind,” Dioussé said in a recent interview with L’Observateur.
“I’ll keep working hard to come back. I’m always available for the national team. I’m prepared to give everything at club level to earn that return, because nothing compares to wearing your country’s jersey.”
The Senegalese international, who made his professional debut at just 18 with Empoli in Italy’s Serie A, has had a varied club career across Europe.
After his early rise in Italy, Dioussé moved to French side AS Saint-Étienne, followed by stints at Chievo Verona and Turkish club Ankaragücü.
In August 2023, he joined Ligue 2 outfit AJ Auxerre, where he is currently working to establish himself. This season, he has featured in 12 matches for the French side, starting in four of those games.
While Dioussé is still in a transitional phase at Auxerre, his focus on the national team has not wavered.
His last appearance for Senegal came during the qualifiers for the 2019 U23 Africa Cup of Nations, a match-up against Guinea that ended in disappointment after the team failed to secure qualification.
Yet for Dioussé, the opportunity to serve the national side — even at the U23 level — was never in question.
“It was during the qualifiers against Guinea,” he recalled. “For me, the national team means everything.
That’s why, when I was called to support the U23 squad, I didn’t hesitate. Of course, it was a shame we couldn’t qualify, and that’s my only regret from the experience. But I never second-guessed my decision to help the younger players.”
Dioussé’s reflections convey a mix of pride and unfinished business. Though years have passed since he last donned the national jersey, his commitment to the cause remains undiminished.
The midfielder sees his time at Auxerre not only as a chance to re-establish himself at the club level but as a stepping stone to a potential return to the Teranga Lions.
With Senegal boasting a deep and talented midfield pool, breaking back into the squad will not be easy. However, Dioussé is no stranger to adversity.
His career has seen him traverse different leagues and cultures, each move a testament to his adaptability and resilience.
Now, he hopes that his continued hard work at Auxerre can catch the eye of the national selectors.
“At the end of the day, all I want is to represent my nation again,” he said. “That’s the dream, and I’ll keep chasing it.”
For Dioussé, the dream of wearing the green, yellow, and red of Senegal may have been paused, but it is far from over.
