French-Born Defender Massadio Haidara Pledges International Future to Mali

French-born defender Massadio Haidara has chosen to pledge his international future to Mali, rather than the European country.

The 26-year-old, who plays for French Ligue 2 side RC Lens, has finally decided to feature for his native country after remaining tight-lipped on which country to represent.

Haidara, who has played for the youth teams in France, has confirmed his desire to play for the Eagles.

“When Mali football authorities first approached me, I was still very young and had not decided on my international future. I gave myself the time and now I am ready to defend the colors of Mali,” said the former Newcastle player, as translated from French.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””] “I have had fresh discussions with their coach Mohammed Magassouba who convinced me that Mali has the ambition to win the Africa Cup of Nations.”   [/perfectpullquote]

Mali finished third at the 2012 and 2013 finals and have since established themselves as a strong outfit in Africa.

“It is clear that Mali will be a title contender and I would like to be part of it,” Haidara added.

However, should he be called to the Eagles side, Haidara is not definite of getting the first-team position as he will be contesting for play time against the likes of Mamadou Fofana, Salif Coulibaly, Hamari Traoré, Falaye Sacko, and Molla Wagué.

Mali sealed their qualification after beating Gabon 1-0 in November last year in a result that moved them to 11 points in Group C.