Mendy stands by Senegal retirement after talks with Patrick Vieira

Edouard Mendy has said he will stick with his decision to retire from international football despite an approach from Senegal's new manager, Patrick Vieira. In an interview published by The Guardian on September 22, the 34-year-old goalkeeper explained that he reconsidered his position after speaking to Vieira but ultimately decided against extending his Senegal career beyond 59 appearances.

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Mendy announced his international retirement last week, according to the newspaper. He said the prospect of working with Vieira had given him something to consider, and he asked for time to reflect after their conversation. A few days later, he called back to confirm his original decision. Mendy said he had begun thinking about retirement after the Africa Cup of Nations and concluded that the time had come to stop.

His departure follows a year that included another Asian Champions League title with Al-Ahli and a knee injury against Norway at the World Cup. The Guardian reported that the continental club success was his second in succession. Mendy's international exit does not end his club career: he remains with Al-Ahli and has also been nominated for this year's Yashin trophy, the goalkeeping award presented by the Ballon d'Or organisers.

The interview also addressed the unresolved dispute over Senegal's most recent Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco. Senegal celebrated victory after Mendy saved Brahim Diaz's penalty and Pape Gueye scored in extra time. In March, however, the Confederation of African Football awarded Morocco a 3-0 win, ruling that Senegal had forfeited the match by leaving the pitch during a protest. The Guardian reported that a preliminary appeal hearing at the Court of Arbitration for Sport was scheduled for next month.

Mendy maintained that Senegal should regard themselves as winners because the match resumed and was completed. That remains his position rather than the official outcome under CAF's ruling. He also identified Senegal's first African title in 2022 as the most meaningful achievement of his career, placing it above his Champions League triumph with Chelsea in 2021.

Away from competition, Mendy is helping fund a school in his parents' hometown of Keur Massar. The Guardian reported that it has expanded to 200 students and that he also supports a programme for aspiring entrepreneurs in Senegal.