Diamé confirms international retirement

The 29-year-old, who earned 36 caps for Senegal after making his debut in 2011, confirmed that he will no longer be available to play for his country ahead of the upcoming international break.

Speaking exclusively to nufc.co.uk, Diamé – who represented the Lions of Teranga at the 2012 Olympic Games – says he’s given a great deal of thought to his decision.

And Diamé said that while it was a tough call to make given how much pride he’s taken in pulling on his country’s shirt over the past six years, it was one he feel he’s made at the right time.

“It’s been a big honour for me. I’m proud to have been an international player for Senegal, and to have made my family proud too,” he explained. “For my father and all my family to have seen me wearing the shirt is something that they will never forget, and I’m very proud.

“It’s been a big decision and a tough one as well, because I really wanted to keep playing for my country. But I need to be honest, and give the opportunity to other players who feel strong and are in better form than me.

“As everyone knows, in Africa teams are always laughing and enjoying themselves when they are together. I have enjoyed a lot of great moments with Senegal, and I had the chance to play at the Olympic Games here in the UK with my country.

“It has been a big honour and a massive thing for me – I will never forget this.”

Diamé added: “I would like to thank my family, because they have always been behind me and have given me support. I have spoken already with the manager, and I’d like to thank all the managers I have had, and not forgetting the Senegalese Football Federation as well.

“The fans have been amazing with me. They have supported me all the way through, so I would like to thank all of the Senegal supporters too.”

And the former Wigan Athletic and West Ham United man, who featured in Senegal’s run to the African Cup of Nations quarter-finals in January, hopes his withdrawal from the international fold will allow him to concentrate fully on his club’s push for promotion back to the Premier League.

“It’s not an easy decision, but I hope with all the rest that I will get from now I will be fresh to give my best for Newcastle,” said Diamé.

“I know Newcastle is a massive club, and people have big expectations. I know that it is important when you are in a club like this, you have to perform at 100 per cent – even 200 per cent.

“It was important for me to take this decision for the rest of my career.”

Diamé made his Senegal bow in an African Cup of Nations qualifier against Cameroon in March 2011, while still a Wigan player, and he scored his only international goal in another qualifier at home to Niger in March 2016

His final appearance came in January of this year, when he played the full 90 minutes in Aliou Cisse’s side’s African Cup of Nations Group B clash with Algeria, which ended 2-2.