Nottingham Forest defender Moussa Niakhate says a phone call from Sadio Mane convinced him to represent Sengal.
The Reds centre-back had turned out for France at youth level, but this international break saw him called up by the Lions for the first time. However, it remains to be seen whether he gets on the pitch in upcoming friendlies against Bolivia and Iran.
Niakhate has been sidelined with a hamstring problem since the Reds’ victory over West Ham United last month. He trained away from the main group of the Senegal squad on Tuesday.
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Nevertheless, the 26-year-old did face the local media in a pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s game. And he recalled a conversation he had with countryman and Bayern Munich ace Mane.
"It's true that Sadio contacted me, and it touched me,” Niakhate said in a translated interview with L’Equipe. “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. Afterwards, he spoke to the coach about it.
"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 Mane is asking for you to help the people is obviously a defining moment in my life.”
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