Mendy stated in an interview with L'Équipe that he has decided to end his career with the Senegal national team to make way for a new generation of players.
Édouard Mendy, the Senegalese goalkeeper who currently plays for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, made this decision after 8 years of playing for the "Lions of Teranga," during which he won the Africa Cup of Nations twice and participated in two World Cups.
The 34-year-old Mendy has made 59 appearances for Senegal. He said that the idea of retiring began to form after Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon. After the World Cup, he continued to consider it, feeling that it was time to make way for a new generation.
Mendy said: "After representing my country in all possible competitions, now is a good time to stop. I participated in two World Cups and two Africa Cups of Nations, though I unfortunately got injured in my first appearance. After playing in three tournaments, I was fortunate enough to win two titles."
He added: "I feel that I have fulfilled my responsibilities, helped pass on my experience, and always tried to stay close to the new generation, preparing them as best as possible for future competitions."
Mendy made this decision just as Patrick Vieira took over the Senegal national team. Mendy revealed that the new coach had contacted him to explain his plans, vision, and the role he hoped Mendy would play, which deeply moved him, but did not change his mind.
He explained: "Patrick called me and introduced me to his plans, ideas, and my role within them. The responsibilities he wanted me to take on moved me deeply. Patrick Vieira is a great player. I told him my thoughts and decision, but he still tried to convince me. I didn't want to start a new phase with this team while knowing that I might not be able to see it through to the end. I prefer the new squad to stabilize as soon as possible and find its direction, and I don't want any distractions caused by questions about whether I continue to stay with the national team."
Mendy said that the image the people of Senegal would most want to remember him by after his national team career ends is that of a player who put the national interest above all else, which is what matters most to him.
He said: "I hope they remember a patriot who put the national interest above everything else. For 8 years, I have made the national team an absolute priority. Despite injuries, despite difficulties, I have always strived to respond to the call of my homeland in the best possible way."
He added: "Achieving these results and making the people of Senegal happy is my greatest victory." He also stated that what happened in Cameroon during the last Africa Cup of Nations did not affect his decision to retire, as these issues belonged to a different level than his personal decision.
He said: "That was my first Africa Cup of Nations final, against Egypt. It was my first continental final because I broke my finger in 2019. I felt all the pressure, all the expectations of the nation. Winning that first star felt incredible, unprecedented."
Despite retiring from the national team, Mendy has had an exceptionally good year personally. He was shortlisted for the Yashin Trophy for Best Goalkeeper, a nomination that made him particularly proud.
He said: "It's a great source of pride. Even more so than when I was nominated during my time at Chelsea, because it's a true culmination of an excellent season, both at the club and national team level."
He concluded: "For me, it was an extremely satisfying year, the best since I turned professional. To be nominated at 34 and to be playing in Saudi Arabia, which many people call a second-tier league, shows the level I reached this year."
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