Marseille's Samassa Picks Mali Ahead Of France
OM's young striker has decided to star for Mali and not France, where he was born.
Jan 5, 2009 4:37:40 AM
The 22-year-old Mamadou Samassa said: "After some reflections, I have decided to feature for my country of origin. I'm now ready to wear the colours of Mali."
He has already represented France at Under-21 level six times, scoring three goals. He signed for Olympique Marseille last summer after four years at Le Mans.
Samassa, who was born in Paris, spent the recent holidays in Bamako to see things for himself and met with the Mali coach, Stephen Keshi.
The forward, who made his debut for Le Mans at the tender age of 17, said his decision was helped by the encouragement he received from compatriot and Juventus midfielder Mohamed Sissoko.
One of Mali's top stars, Frederic Kanoute, also had the chance to play for France, as he was born there, but eventually chose his fatherland.
Samm Audu
- Barcelona Outburst In Champions League Loss Upset My Son - Chelsea Striker Drogba
- Free State Stars 0-1 Kaizer Chiefs: Amakhosi Win At Last
- FIFA Warn Egypt & Algeria Ahead World Cup Qualifying Showdown
- Orlando Pirates And Bafana Midfielder Benson Mhlongo Out For The Rest Of The Season
- Youssouf Hadji Open To Making A Move To Spain Or England
- Mandjeck To Replace Injured Bassong For Cameroon
- Manuel Jose: Algeria Will Qualify For 2010 World Cup At The Expense Of Egypt
- Cote d'Ivoire Name 23 Players For World Cup Qualifier Against Guinea
- Heartland Striker Uche Agba Blames Slim Home Win For Champions League Loss
- Gabon Name 24 Players For World Cup Qualifier Against Togo
- I Love Arsenal's Arsene Wenger - Manchester City Striker Adebayor
103 - Inter Striker Samuel Eto'o Hopes To End His Career With Mallorca25
- Manchester United Interested In Bordeaux’s Marouane Chamakh22
- Barcelona Outburst In Champions League Loss Upset My Son - Chelsea Striker Drogba22
- TP Mazembe 1-0 Heartland: Congolese Crows Clinch Third African Crown21
Watch
