Koulibaly, Mané, Mendy... the Senegal players who paid tribute to Cissé
The bond between Aliou Cissé and his players is a strong one, as the reactions of several Senegal internationals show.
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In messages of thanks, gratitude and tribute, the Lions rightly honoured Aliou Cissé after he left the Senegal national team dugout.
Kalidou Koulibaly
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Under Aliou Cissé, Kalidou Koulibaly enjoyed a meteoric rise with the national team. The Al Hilal defender went on to become Lions captain, something that clearly meant a lot to the centre-back: "You wanted me in the den. You chose me as captain. Together we suffered, celebrated and won over 9 years. Thank you for everything, coach," he posted on his X account.
You wanted me in the den.
You chose me as captain.
Together we suffered, celebrated and won over 9 years.
Thank you for everything, coach.🇸🇳 #KK pic.twitter.com/UVsIjbLHIZ
— Koulibaly Kalidou (@kkoulibaly26) October 2, 2024
Read also: Kalidou Koulibaly: "Even though I'm captain, my place isn't guaranteed"
Sadio Mané
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Under Aliou Cissé, Sadio Mané went from promising player to genuine superstar with the national team. The Al Nassr striker takes from Cissé his deep love for his country, Senegal: "You were the positive embodiment of our national team throughout this decade. Your time on the bench of our national team will not have been in vain. We will remember you as a man who loves his country's flag and who fought to raise our colours high. Thank you, Champion, for your services!!!" he wrote.
You were the positive embodiment of our national team throughout this decade. Your time on the bench of our national team will not have been in vain. We will remember you as a man who loves his country's flag and who fought to raise our colours high.
Thank you… pic.twitter.com/1DASE5Lybj— Sadio Mané (@SMane_Officiel) October 2, 2024
Read also: Sadio Mané, the revival under Stefano Pioli at Al Nassr
Edouard Mendy
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Edouard Mendy won his place as number one under Aliou Cissé. The Al-Ahli goalkeeper thanked the Senegalese coach for allowing him to live his dream of playing for the Lions: "Coach. Thank you for giving me the chance to wear the Senegal shirt. I am proud to have shared so many good moments together, like that historic moment when we won the 1st AFCON for our country. Thank you for your trust. I wish you all the best for the future," he said.
Coach
Thank you for giving me the chance to wear the 🇸🇳 shirt. I am proud to have shared so many good moments together, like that historic moment when we won the 1st AFCON for our country.
Thank you for your trust.
I wish you all the best for the future 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/zM53GxAebp— Edouard Mendy (@edou_mendy_) October 2, 2024
Read also: Edouard Mendy irritates Al-Ittihad in Saudi Pro League derby
Formose Mendy
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Formose Mendy is one of the young players who have recently been introduced to the Senegal national team. The FC Lorient centre-back also paid a heartfelt tribute to Aliou Cissé.
Read also: Formose Mendy officially out of friendly against Algeria
"Coach, it is hard to find the words to express all my gratitude. Thanks to you, we lived unforgettable moments and proudly wore the Senegal shirt. Thank you for everything you have done for our country. You will forever be a legend to all of us," he wrote on his X account.
https://twitter.com/formosemendy_05/status/1841582465229717696