Doucoure taking a break from Mali for now

by Staff Reporter

Saturday Sep 23, 2023. 13:00

Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure has revealed he will not be representing Mali for the foreseeable future as he wants to focus on his club career.

The France youth international switched allegiances to Mali in March 2022 and made his debut against Tunisia in the 2022 World Cup qualifying play-offs.

Doucoure has only earned two caps for the Eagles and looks unlikely to feature at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after not playing at all during the qualifying campaign.

The 30-year-old has now explained the reasons for his absence, citing incidents that didn’t sit well with him during his time with the national team for the crunch double-header against the Eagles of Carthage last year.

“Today I took a little break regarding the national team because there were a few incidents when I was there for the World Cup qualification. There are quite a few things that I didn’t like,” he said.

“I am not asking for revolutionary things. I can’t judge too much, but for my part, when I went, it wasn’t an unforgettable memory. I really came with the aim of helping the team and I didn’t necessarily feel that way when I was there.

“I’m 30, I have to take care of my body and not hurt myself. I have had two serious injuries in my career, so I will be careful not to have a third. I have my contractual situation with Everton. I only have one year left on my contract, it’s a bit complicated for me.

“Today, I am thinking about whether I am going to return to the selection or not. I communicated it to the leaders, they know my position. I asked them for time to think and, during September, I will decide whether I wish to continue with the national team or not.”