Pape Gueye has made a heartfelt appeal to fellow Senegal international Youssouf Sabaly, urging the Real Betis defender to return to the national team fold.
Speaking in an interview with Wiwsport during a media collaboration with LaLiga, Gueye shared his ongoing efforts to convince Sabaly to don the Senegal jersey once more.
Despite Sabaly’s prolonged absence from international football, Gueye remains committed to rekindling the defender’s connection with the national side.
“I always tell Sabaly to come back,” said Gueye. “He gave a lot to the Lions. Only after he stopped playing did many people truly realise his importance.”
Sabaly, who currently plays for Real Betis in Spain’s top flight, has not featured for Senegal in recent years. His absence has been felt by both teammates and fans, many of whom still regard him as a vital part of the squad’s previous successes.
For Gueye, who is also making his mark in La Liga, the absence of his compatriot is more than just tactical. It’s deeply personal.
The Marseille midfielder, known for his leadership both on and off the pitch, revealed that he has been consistently reaching out to Sabaly in hopes of reigniting his passion for the national team.
Though the conversations are informal, Gueye’s message is always the same. A sincere invitation to return.
“There’s no pressure, just honest encouragement,” he explained. “Every chance I get, I send him a reminder. Come back. The door is always open.”
Gueye’s remarks reflect a broader sense of camaraderie within the Senegalese national setup. More than just a team, the Lions of Teranga represent a close-knit brotherhood. One that Gueye is eager to preserve and strengthen.
His comments also highlight his growing role as a connector within the squad, someone who brings players together and nurtures unity beyond the boundaries of the pitch.
Trained at Le Havre and now a rising figure in Spanish football, Gueye has developed a reputation not only for his technical ability but also for his maturity and influence among teammates.
His respect for Sabaly, who has long been regarded as a reliable and composed presence in Senegal’s defence, was evident throughout the interview.
“Youssouf was someone we could always count on,” said Gueye. “His contributions were subtle but crucial. It’s easy to overlook that until he’s no longer there.”
The call for Sabaly’s return is not a demand, but a genuine expression of appreciation and belief. Gueye’s approach, quiet persistence mixed with open admiration, underlines his investment in the future of Senegalese football and in ensuring that experienced voices like Sabaly’s are not lost.
As the Lions prepare for upcoming international fixtures and look to build on recent success, the door remains open for veterans like Sabaly to rejoin the squad. For Pape Gueye, that door is not just open. It’s waiting.
And until it closes for good, he’ll keep knocking.
Pape Gueye : « Je dis tout le temps à Youssouf Sabaly de revenir en sélection »#LaLiga #Villarreal #wiwsport pic.twitter.com/Cm4TtRMg0W
— wiwsport (@wiwsport) May 7, 2025
