In my constant acknowledgment of being the product of two diverse cultures – the French and the Senegalese – I take immense pride in my French identity. However, destiny, as I believe, has guided me to represent Senegal. Since 2002, an inexplicable force has been propelling me toward this path. I vividly recall the pivotal moment in 2015 when Aliou, at the helm of the team, reached out to me, saying, “Kouli, we’re entering a new cycle, and we need you. You must come with us.”

Taking a leap of faith, he entrusted a 24-year-old who was still warming the bench at Napoli. He believed in me, and in return, I had to believe in Senegal. The decision to represent Senegal became more than just a commitment to a football team. When I conveyed my choice to my parents, a rare excitement engulfed them – a stark contrast to their usual nonchalant attitude towards the game, given their firsthand experience with life’s challenges.

My father, a tireless worker in a sawmill, toiled seven days a week for five years to secure a better life for his children in France. It’s not easy to elicit enthusiasm from The Boss, but that day, I witnessed a gleam in his eyes. My representation of Senegal transcends beyond the football pitch; it is intricately woven with my blood, my history, and the aspirations of my parents.