Cisse sad to miss Olympics

Papiss Cisse: Admits he wanted to play in the Olympics but was persuaded not to by Alan Pardew

Senegal striker Papiss Cisse has revealed his disappointment at being denied the chance to win an Olympic medal.

The Newcastle man was wanted by his country as one of their over-age players for the Olympic football tournament.

But when Senegal kicked off with a 1-1 draw against hosts Great Britain at Old Trafford on Thursday, Cisse was not among the team - persuaded not to attend by Magpies manager Alan Pardew.

"I wanted to play for my country, as representing Senegal is very important to me, but the manager said it was best that I rested."
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With the 27-year-old forward facing the prospect of playing in the African Nations Cup next year for the second successive season, Pardew felt Newcastle could not allow the player to leave.

That's a decision that the former Freiburg man reluctantly accepted.

Difficult

Cisse told the Newcastle Evening Chronicle: "It was difficult. I wanted to play, but I had a discussion with the manager as soon as I got back.

"I wanted to play for my country, as representing Senegal is very important to me, but the manager said it was best that I rested.

"He said it was better for me, and I understood his decision.

"God willing, I will score a lot more goals this season. I scored 30 goals last season, but I don't set targets for the next season.

"Maybe I will score 30 again - I don't know."

Cisse made a huge impact on Tyneside following his £10million January move, scoring 13 goals as the Magpies finished fifth in the Premier League to secure European football.

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