Koulibaly: “They ask me why I chose Senegal instead of France”

The words of the former Napoli defender to The Players’ Tribune

Koulibaly on choosing to represent Senegal instead of France

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“Sometimes people ask me why I chose to play for Senegal instead of France. ‘Kouli, if you had chosen France, you could have become a world champion.’ Maybe, but I believe in destiny. I always say that I am the product of two cultures: French and Senegalese. I am very proud to be French. But for me to represent Senegal has been God’s plan. There has been something inside me since 2002, which pushes me towards that destiny I remember when Aliou took over the team in 2015, he called me and said: ‘Kouli, we are entering a new cycle and we need you. You have to come with us.’ bench for Napoli. He believed in me. So I had to believe in Senegal. When I called my parents to tell them my decision, it was the only time in my life that I saw them enthusiastic about football. Normally they behave like i’m still playing in the yard de the school. They’re too familiar with real-life hardships to be bothered by a game. But when I called my dad on FaceTime and told him I was going to represent Senegal, I saw the light in his eyes.”