“It’s a huge pleasure, to be with the old guys like Kalidou (Koulibaly), Sadio (Mané), Gana (Gueye), it’s a childhood dream. I was very well integrated by everyone”. Newly called up from the rally with Senegal, Ibrahim Mbaye is enjoying it. Summoned by Pape Thiaw for the first time – just like Mamadou Sarr – the Parisian Titi could make his big debut in the jersey of the Lions of the country of Teranga during the friendly matches against Brazil, this Saturday, November 15 in London, then against Kenya three days later in Antalya (Turkey).
Having passed through the French youth teams in U16 (14 selections), U17 (5), U18 (7), U19 (1) and U20 (3), the native of Trappes could nevertheless have chosen to continue his trajectory under the tricolor tunic. Yes but now, at only 17 years old, Luis Enrique’s protégé finally opted for the Senegalese selection. A carefully considered choice as explained The Parisian. Thus, despite the recommendations of some of his close friends who advised him to take his time, the 1m75 right-hander gave his preference to the winner of CAN 2021.
Two factors changed the situation
“Ibrahim Mbaye did not need to be convinced. When the choice comes from the player, it’s always easier. For some, I think it will be necessary to travel, meet the parents and present the project to them. Here, it’s a choice of the heart: Ibrahim always wanted to play for Senegal”added Pape Thiaw, present at a press conference before challenging Carlo Ancelotti’s Seleção. This Saturday, we learn that two factors particularly weighed in the final choice of Parisian number 49. The first ? Mbaye was convinced by the country of origin of his father, Abdoulaye. But that’s not all.
Seduced by the idea of playing alongside players such as Sadio Mané, Idrissa Gueye and Kalidou Koulibaly, the man who has played 17 matches in all competitions with PSG since the start of the season now wants to sign up for the long term with Senegal, which is also a few weeks away from the CAN, organized in Morocco, and a World Cup, which will be played in the United States next summer. If his participation in the friendly matches this November will not prevent him, theoretically, from reconsidering his choice, The Parisian specifies, finally, that it is very unlikely to see Ibrahim Mbaye turn back. A new very nice move carried out by the Senegalese federation, which has also just convinced the Strasbourg defender Mamadou Sarr, on loan from Chelsea, after having poached the OGC Nice goalkeeper, Yehvann Diouf.
