http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Everton-c39043 winger Magaye Gueye justified his decision of switching his fealty from France to Senegal ahead of the Olympic Games, insisting that he will get more exposure playing for the African nation.
The French born player, whose parents hail from Senegal, has played for the Les Bleus at Under 19, Under 20 and Under 21 levels. However, he secured the eligibility criterion to represent the African team on the international stage after qualifying through
his parents.
In June, he completed all the paperwork involved in order for him to feature in the Olympics games for the Lions of Teranga.
Earlier in July, he received an international call-up from Senegalese manager Joseph Koto, which he accepted.
Even though the 22-year old acknowledged the size and stature of the French national football team, he justified his decision of representing http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Senegal-c3001 during the Olympics, as he felt he has got a better chance of honing his footballing abilities with the
latter.
He told the reporters in an interview, “It was a very tough decision because I played for http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/France-c2899 and France is a very big federation, a very big team. But I think it's good for me to try Senegal because I've got more opportunities to play.”
The winger also revealed that he met Koto and the director of the federation after confirming his availability for the competition, and they were delighted over his decision.
Senegal have been stationed in Group A of the tournament, alongside hosts Great Britain, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Uruguay-c3035. They will kick off their campaign against GB on 26th of July.
Gueye, who is yet to feature in a major international tournament, believed that he has the opportunity to prove his mettle and was optimistic of his team’s chances in the event.
He added, “Everybody will watch the Olympics, it's an occasion to show my football, to show that Senegal can be a great team and it will be very special for me. It would mean a lot to pick up a medal. It's my first competition and my first with Senegal so
it means a lot to me.”
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