Former Girondins de Bordeaux centre-back Lamine Sané has opened up about the pivotal moment in his career when he chose to represent Senegal over France. The 35-time capped Senegalese international, who played in the 2012 and 2015 Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, shared the behind-the-scenes story of his decision during an interview on the show Au cœur du jeu.
Sané, who was born in Villeneuve-sur-Lot, France, could have pursued a career with the French national team, especially after receiving attention from key figures in French football.
In his conversation, he recounted how Laurent Blanc and Jean-Louis Gasset, who were the coaches of the French team at the time, approached him with an invitation to join Les Bleus.
“I had started to play a little in the championship, and Senegal thought of me to play on the right, since I could play both positions.
Laurent Blanc and Jean-Louis Gasset came to the French team after Bordeaux, and I was their protégé,” Sané explained.
He recalled a specific moment when Gasset visited Marseille during a match and asked to speak with him. “I remember, we were playing against Marseille, and Jean-Louis Gasset came to Marseille.
He called me and asked me to come down. He told me: ‘Well, listen, we know you, we follow you, we would like you to come with us to the French team,'” Sané said.
At that time, his younger brother, Salif, was also in the conversation, with Gasset mentioning the possibility of him joining the French youth setup.
Despite the tempting offer, Sané felt a deep connection with Senegal and its footballing culture, which had inspired him from a young age.
He reflected, “I think about it, and I tell myself that Senegal called me just before… Me, Senegal, since 2002, they made me dream.”
He acknowledged the stiff competition within the French team, which included established players like Laurent Koscielny and Adil Rami.
“Let’s not lie to each other, I knew the competition there was in the French team… Koscielny was there, Rami… Machines.
I told myself that God had given me the chance to be a pro, but you also have to be aware of things,” Sané explained.
Ultimately, Sané’s passion for his heritage and his admiration for Senegal’s footballing achievements influenced his decision.
“I knew that if I went to the French team, it was going to be very complicated… And since Senegal has always made me dream… Everything was aligned,” he said.
Sané concluded by expressing the heartfelt nature of his choice: “It’s sure that I refused another opportunity, but I made this choice with my heart.”
His decision not only shaped his career but also solidified his place in the history of Senegalese football, where he earned respect for his leadership and performances as a key defender.
