Bouna Sarr open to Senegal return after Patrick Vieira appointment

Bouna Sarr has not ruled out a return to the Senegal national team, saying he believes he can still contribute if given the opportunity.

The Metz player spoke about his international future after his side’s 1-0 defeat by Red Star in the mixed zone, with Patrick Vieira now appointed as the successor to Pape Thiaw as Senegal coach.

Sarr said a return to the Lions remains something he would welcome, but insisted that he is not allowing the possibility to distract him from his performances at club level.

“Yes, I think about it, I still have what it takes to help the national team. In any case, it’s something you don’t turn down. But it’s not something I’m stressing about. I’m focused on my performances at club level. After that, if it happens, all the better.”

The 33-year-old was part of the Senegal side that won the Africa Cup of Nations in February 2022. His last appearance for the national team came in March of that year, and he has not been selected since.

Despite his long absence from the international setup, Sarr has left the door open to a possible return under Vieira.

The appointment of Vieira provides a new chapter for Senegal, with the former coach of Strasbourg, Crystal Palace and Nice taking charge of the Lions after Thiaw’s departure.

Sarr’s comments suggest that he would be prepared to respond if he receives another international call-up. However, the player made it clear that his immediate priority is performing well for his club.

Rather than putting pressure on himself to regain his place in the national team, Sarr says he will concentrate on his performances and leave the decision to the Senegal coaching staff.

His most recent involvement with Senegal came during the period when the team were preparing for and competing at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations. He was part of the squad that eventually lifted the trophy in February that year.

More than four years after his last international call-up, Sarr has now made his position clear. He remains interested in representing Senegal again, but will not make the pursuit of another call-up his main focus.

For now, his attention remains on Metz and his performances at club level, while a possible return to the Lions depends on whether Vieira decides to give him another opportunity.

Retour en sélection 🇸🇳 ?
La réponse de Bouna Sarr : « J’y pense mais … »#Match360 #BounaSarr #FCMetz pic.twitter.com/vMmVfYiqTu

— Match360 (@Match360TV) September 14, 2026