CHELSEA Champions League winner Edouard Mendy has announced his international retirement – and dealt a blow to new Senegal boss Patrick Vieira.
Keeper Mendy spent three years at Stamford Bridge following a £22million move from French club Rennes in 2020.
Former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has retired from international football with Senegal Credit: Getty Images
Mendy won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021 Credit: Chelsea FC via Getty Images
He played in the Blues’ 1-0 Champions League final win over Manchester City the following year, and also helped them lift the Club World Cup and Super Cup.
France-born Mendy left for Al Ahli in 2023, and is still with the Saudi Pro League club.
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He has won 60 Senegal caps, and is revered in the West African country for his part in the Teranga Lions’ 2021 Africa Cup of Nations success.
Mendy, 34, posted a video of his career highlights on social media with the message: “Thank you Senegal.”
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The keeper spoke privately with Arsenal legend Vieira, who has just taken charge of the national side, to inform him of his decision.
The Senegalese FA announced: “Some careers can be measured in terms of caps, trophies and statistics.
“Then there are those you measure by the places they hold in people’s memories. Edouard Mendy, your history with the Lions belongs to this category.
“You kept goal for Senegal in games that really counted, and you contributed hugely to making the first stars on the national team shirt shine brightly.
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Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira recently took the Senegal job and spoke privately with Mendy regarding his decision to retire Credit: John Walton/PA Wire
“Infinite thanks to you from Senegal, and we wish you a happy continuation for the rest of your glorious and magnificent career.”
Mendy also helped Chelsea reach two FA Cup finals and a League Cup final, as well as figuring in two further Afcon final appearances for Senegal.
He famously signed on for state benefits in France aged 22 before landing a move to Marseille – going on to reach the Premier League via Reims and Rennes.
