Pape Gueye says he does not regret declaring that he would no longer play for Senegal while the previous coaching staff remained in charge.
The midfielder spoke at a news conference in Marseille on Saturday, alongside new Senegal manager Patrick Vieira, on the eve of the friendly against Comoros.
Gueye made his original statement after Senegal were eliminated by Belgium in the last 32 of the World Cup. At the time, he said he would not return to the national team until there had been a change in the coaching staff, while promising to explain the reasons behind his decision at a later date.
Following the change in management, the player has been recalled to the Senegal squad and is now back with the Lions.
Asked about his comments, Gueye said he remained committed to the position he had taken.
“I think you have the answer to your question. It was a position I took and one I was going to stand by, and I am happy to be here,” he said.
“I will do my best to help this team; that is the most important thing. Perhaps there will be an opportunity to talk about it, but that is not the most important thing today.”
Gueye said his focus was now on working with Vieira and helping to establish the new team under the former France international and his coaching staff.
“As the coach said, there is a new staff in place. We are working well and everyone is listening during training,” Gueye said.
“We are trying to put everything in place to respect what the coach asks of us.”
The friendly against Comoros will be one of the first opportunities for Gueye to play under Vieira, as Senegal begin a new phase following the coaching change.
