Abdoulaye Doucouré and Mali: is it over already?
Abdoulaye Doucouré may not play for Mali again. The Everton midfielder was unhappy with the circumstances of his first call-up.
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Courted for years by Mali, his country of origin, Abdoulaye Doucouré had always turned down their advances. It was finally in March 2022, at almost 30, that the midfielder agreed to say 'yes' to his parents' homeland. He won his first cap in the play-offs for the 2022 World Cup against Tunisia. But he did not particularly enjoy that first experience with the Eagles, who were knocked out by Tunisia.
"A lot of things didn't sit well with me with the national team"
"Right now I've taken a bit of a break from the national team, because there were a few incidents when I was there for World Cup qualification. A lot of things didn't sit well with me," the Malian explained in a video for our colleagues at 90 football, adding that he is waiting for a fair few changes. "After that, I'm not asking for anything revolutionary. I can't judge too much, but for my part, when I went, it wasn't an unforgettable memory."
The former Watford player said there were plenty of off-field problems during that get-together, even though it was decisive for qualification for the Qatar World Cup. Issues such as the bonus negotiations took away some of his desire to return. "I really came with the aim of helping the team. And I didn't necessarily feel that while I was there," he said.
"My father has died, so going away with the national team is much less important"
After that ordeal, Abdoulaye Doucouré went on to go through difficult spells with Everton, as well as a personal loss with the death of his father, the man for whom he agreed to represent Mali, late as it was. "I really went to the national team for my parents. Today my father has died, so it's something that matters much less to me. I'm 30, I have to look after my body. Avoid getting injured. I've had two serious injuries in my career, so I'll be careful not to have a third," said Abdoulaye Doucouré, who is under contract at the Toffees until 2024. "I have my contract situation with Everton. I only have a year left on my deal, it's a bit complicated for me."
The possibility of seeing him in a Mali Eagles shirt again remains open, as the Mali national team head coach, Eric Sékou Chelle is also counting on him. But the final decision will rest with the player, and Abdoulaye Doucouré intends to make it known before the end of this month. "Right now I'm in the middle of thinking about whether I'll go back to the national team or not. I've told the officials, they know my position. I've asked them for time to think and during September I'll decide whether I want to continue with the national team or not," he said.
Drissa Niono