Senegal striker Papiss Cisse has revealed his disappointment at being denied the chance to win an Olympic medal.
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The Newcastle man was wanted by his country as one of their over-age players for the Olympic football tournament.
But when Senegal kicked off with a 1-1 draw against hosts Great Britain at Old Trafford on Thursday, Cisse was not among the team - persuaded not to attend by Magpies manager Alan Pardew.
With the 27-year-old forward facing the prospect of playing in the African Nations Cup next year for the second successive season, Pardew felt Newcastle could not allow the player to leave.
That's a decision that the former Freiburg man reluctantly accepted.
Cisse told the Newcastle Evening Chronicle: "It was difficult. 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."
Cisse made a huge impact on Tyneside following his £10million January move, scoring 13 goals as the Magpies finished fifth in the Premier League to secure European football.
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.Papiss Cisse
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