Fadiga demands Metsu's return

Fadiga says Metsu has been key to Senegal's progress

By Osasu Obayiuwana BBC Sport Online

Senegal midfielder Khalilou Fadiga has said that the refusal of his country's football federation to permit a leave of absence for Bruno Metsu is a "mistake."

Metsu ends Senegal link

Metsu was forced to quit as coach of Senegal's national team to take up a job with UAE club Al Ain.

"From my own point of view, Bruno should have been allowed to return to Senegal," Fadiga told BBC Sport Online.

"Bruno has played a key role in what we have achieved and all the players respect and love him."

Fadiga said he believed that Metsu had been permitted by Abdoulaye Wade, Senegal's President, to take up the UAE offer but the plan was not supported by the football federation, which had the final say.

Senegal says no to Metsu

"When Bruno made his request to the State President, he said that he could go but our federation did not agree. It is a very sad misunderstanding."

Despite Metsu's statement that he has "severed all ties" with Senegal, Fadiga says that a re-approachment should be made to the French coach, who led the Lions to the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

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"With Bruno leaving, I don't know what direction the national team would take now.

"I hope that the federation will find a coach as good as he is but it would be best if we find a way to bring him back because it would be in our best interest."