Edouard Mendy retires from Senegal duty after eight years with national team

Edouard Mendy has retired from international football with Senegal after eight years, two Africa Cup of Nations titles and appearances at two World Cups.

The 34-year-old Al-Ahli Saudi goalkeeper, who won 59 caps, told L’Equipe that he began considering his decision after Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph in Morocco. He continued to reflect on his future after the World Cup before deciding it was time to make way for a new generation.

“The time was right to stop, after representing my country in every competition possible,” Mendy said. “I played in two World Cups, or rather two and a half Africa Cup of Nations, because unfortunately I was injured during the first one. I was lucky enough to win two titles after taking part in three tournaments.”

He added: “I felt I had done my duty, passed on my experience and been very close to the new generation, preparing them as well as possible for future competitions.”

Mendy’s decision came as Patrick Vieira took charge of Senegal. The goalkeeper said Vieira contacted him to explain his plans and the role he wanted him to play, an approach which moved him but did not change his mind.

“Patrick called me and explained his project, his vision and my role in it,” Mendy said. “I was very touched by the role he wanted to give me. He is Patrick Vieira, a truly great player. I explained my vision and my decision, but he still tried to convince me.”

Mendy asked for time to consider the proposal before confirming his retirement. He said he did not want to begin a new chapter with the national team while knowing there was a strong chance he would not see it through.

“I did not want to start a new phase with this group knowing there was a very high possibility that I would not finish it,” he said. “I preferred the new group to settle quickly, find its way and avoid any disruption over whether I would continue with the national team or retire.”

The goalkeeper said he hoped Senegal supporters would remember him as someone who always placed his country first.

“For eight years, I gave the national team the highest priority,” Mendy said. “Despite injuries and difficult circumstances, I always tried to answer the call of my country in the best way possible. Achieving these results and making the Senegalese people happy is my greatest victory.”

Mendy said the events surrounding Senegal’s most recent Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco had not influenced his decision. On 18 January, Senegal beat Morocco 1-0 after extra time in a match which saw Senegal’s players leave the pitch for the dressing rooms after Morocco were awarded a penalty.

In March, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) declared Senegal 3-0 losers. The Senegalese Football Federation appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which set 8 October for the case to be heard.

Asked to select the defining match of his international career, Mendy chose the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations final against Egypt. Senegal won 4-2 on penalties after a goalless draw following extra time.

“It was simply my first Africa Cup of Nations final, in Cameroon, against Egypt,” he said. “Winning that first star was an unbelievable feeling, unlike anything else.”

Mendy has also been nominated for the Yashin Trophy. “It is a huge source of pride,” he said. “It is the culmination of a remarkable year for both club and country.”