Papiss Cisse reveals frustration at missing out on Olympics

Jul 27, 2012 8:15:00 PM

The Senegal striker watched on as his country secured a point in their opener against Team GB on Thursday but admitted that he understood manager Alan Pardew's decision

Newcastle United and Senegal striker Papiss Cisse has revealed his frustration at missing out on the Olympic Games after watching his national side secure a 1-1 draw against Team GB at Old Trafford on Thursday night.

Cisse, 27, is disappointed at having to abandon the prospect of competing at the Games after the Magpies refused to allow him to participate over fears he may miss the start of the Premier League season.

The former Freiburg striker was wanted by Senegal as one of the team's over-age players, but Newcastle manager Alan Pardew, who could lose Cisse to Africa Cup of Nations duty in January, would not let him go.

"It was difficult," Cisse told the 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."

The 27-year-old's flurry of goals following his move from Germany helped Newcastle to finish fifth, ensuring European football at the Sports Direct Arena next season.

Cisse refused to set any concrete goal scoring targets for the upcoming campaign but hoped to continue to improve on Tyneside.

"God willing, I will score a lot more goals this season," he added. "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."

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