Newcastle United striker Papiss Cisse has revealed his disappointment at being denied the chance to play for Senegal at the London Olympics.
Cisse was eager to feature for his country as one of the three over-age players in the squad, but Magpies manager Alan Pardew did not let him go.
The 27-year-old has now admitted that he is sad that he cannot play for his country in the Olympics, but insists that he holds no grudge against Pardew.
"It was difficult," Cisse told the Newcastle Evening Chronicle. "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."
Senegal started their Olympic campaign with a 1-1 draw with Team GB on Thursday.
Subhankar Mondal
