By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo
Former Senegal international El Hadji Diouf has shared his views on the possibility of defender Malang Sarr representing the Senegal national team, saying the final decision should rest with the coach despite the player’s earlier stance about waiting for a call from France.
Sarr, who plays as a centre-back for RC Lens, previously represented France national under‑21 football team and other youth levels of the French setup. The defender, born in France to Senegalese parents, had earlier indicated he hoped to play for France before potentially switching allegiance.
Reacting to the debate over whether Sarr should be welcomed into the Senegal national football team, Diouf acknowledged the controversy but urged supporters to consider the player’s age at the time of those comments.
“Players who say they are waiting for the French national team have no place in the Senegal national team,” Diouf said. “But he was young when he said that, and we must remember that. Now he is an adult and he can make up for it.”
The former Liverpool F.C. forward added that he personally has no issue with Sarr potentially joining the national setup if the coaching staff believes he can strengthen the squad.
“Personally, I have no problem with it. If the national team needs him, why not? It is up to the coach to judge whether he needs him or not.”
Diouf also stressed that representing Senegal should be viewed as a major honour, pointing to the quality already present in the squad following their recent continental success.
“Playing for the national team today is a very great thing. Playing for Senegal or for Argentina is the same,” he said, highlighting stars such as Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly and Idrissa Gueye as examples of the country’s footballing pedigree.
Senegal’s national team remains one of Africa’s strongest sides in recent years, having enjoyed sustained success on the continental stage and producing a generation of players competing at the highest levels of European football.
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