Called for the first time by Aliou Cissé to play friendly matches against Bolivia and Iran with Senegal, the former defender of the France Espoirs team Moussa Niakhate (7 selections until 2019) explained in a conference of press the reasons that led him to opt for the Teranga Lions.
“It’s true that Sadio contacted me and it touched merevealed Moussa Niakhate. It touched me because we know the player he is, he’s not just the best African player, he’s one of the best players in the world. When a player like that, of that standing, comes to you… it’s something exceptional. He asked me if I intended to play for Senegal, if I had the motivation to defend the Lions. Of course, I told him what was on my mind and he received it very well, he was very happy. Behind, he spoke to the coach about it.
“The fact that Sadio Mané calls on you to help the people is necessarily a defining moment in my life”
“When Sadio came to see me and said ‘Moussa, I would like you to come and help us because we have big goals’, I was surprised. It shows the person he is. I don’t think I need to praise him more yet, we all know him. The fact that Sadio Mané calls on you to help the people is necessarily a defining moment in my life.insisted the Nottingham Forest player.