Former Senegal international Cheikhou Kouyaté recently spoke out about several significant events in his life. During the draw for the Senegal Cup, held at the headquarters of the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), the midfielder candidly discussed his departure from Turkish club Amedspor, his role in the national team, his thoughts on the recent Africa Cup of Nations, and his ambitions for Senegalese football.
Regarding his experience in Turkey, Kouyaté explained the reasons behind his split from Amedspor. While he chose not to go into details, he emphasized a value he holds dear: respect. “There are things I cannot accept. Maybe others can adapt to certain situations, but for me, if there’s no respect, on the pitch or off it, it’s better to part ways,” he stated. The former Crystal Palace player acknowledged that this period was tough, especially since the environment and mentality at the club no longer matched what he had known in England.
Cheikhou Kouyaté also discussed his role within the national team, highlighting his position as a “big brother” to the younger players. “Being in the national team means being a legacy. It was me before, now it’s their turn. Passing on knowledge is essential for the continuity of Senegal’s performances,” he shared. For him, mentoring the youth and sharing his experience are key elements for the future of Senegalese football.
On the recent Africa Cup of Nations, the former Lion of Teranga praised the mindset displayed by the group from the start of the competition. He believes the players showed great determination to go all the way. He pointed to the match against Egypt as an example of cohesion and commitment. However, he felt that the game against Morocco was made tougher by certain refereeing decisions, while calling for a balanced view of the situation.
Kouyaté also defended several key players in the squad, including Sadio Mané, who is often at the center of discussions. “If Sadio has made certain decisions, it’s always in the interest of Senegalese people. He’s a human being, and we fully support him,” he said, stressing that respect must prevail in all relationships, whether between players or with the coaching staff. He also expressed his support for coach Pape Thiaw, believing that his choices align with a logic of continuity and performance.
Finally, regarding the future of the national team, Cheikhou Kouyaté’s message was clear and ambitious: Senegal must not limit itself. “We must believe in ourselves and be convinced that we can win the World Cup,” he declared. He emphasized the importance of unity between young and veteran players, highlighting that this fusion of generations, driven by faith and hard work, is the key for Senegal to reach the highest peaks of world football.
