Senegalese midfielder Pape Gueye expresses his optimism and determination to clinch a second continental title for his country. The Olympique de Marseille player, who recently returned from a four-month suspension, addressed journalists on Sunday, January 7, 2024, during a press conference ahead of the friendly preparation match against Niger.
How does it feel morally to have a national team selection for the AFCON after four months of absence?
Pape Gueye: Morally I am happy to be here. I had a somewhat complicated four months.
I was not able to play, particularly with my club and my country.
But I took it as a moment where I focused more on myself, working on what I didn’t have time to work on in the club, on everything I needed to improve.
I am very happy. I thank everyone who supported me, especially the Senegalese.
I also thank the coach (Aliou Cissé, editor’s note), who was there from the announcement of my suspension. But, also, I thank my teammates. I hope we will do great things.
One week before the AFCON, how do you experience this motivation to put the trophy back on the line, but also this desire to snatch a second crown?
We are very motivated. Every Senegalese has in mind to go there (Ivory Coast, editor’s note) to show that we are a big African team and to win this AFCON.
We are all competitors. We are keen to go there and show what we are capable of since AFCON 2022.
For several years we have had very good results in the selection. So, we don’t want to stop at an AFCON.
We know it’s complicated, but we will do everything necessary to bring this second AFCON home.
What is the message to the supporters?
It’s a huge pleasure to play at home. Every time we play here, we feel that the public is behind us.
We know that the Senegalese are passionate, much like in Marseille where I am (laughs).
We are very happy to play this match against Niger, which will be the last before the AFCON.
The only thing we ask is to stay united, all together during this competition, like in 2022.
An AFCON is complicated. At the same time, it can be long or short.
We are going to give everything. I’m sure there won’t be any players who will cheat on the field.*
