Syli National: Naby Keita breaks his silence on his future with the national team

Naby Keita has broken his silence regarding his recent absences from the Guinea national team. The Ferencváros TC midfielder made it clear that he remains available for the Syli National, while acknowledging that the decision is not entirely in his hands.

He has not featured for the Guinea national team since their elimination in the quarterfinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. While his initial absence was linked to a lack of playing time at Werder Bremen, his move to Ferencváros TC did little to change that. In March 2025, the 30-year-old turned down Michel Dussuyer's call-up for the fifth and sixth rounds of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

With supporters raising questions, the Guinea captain felt compelled to dispel any doubts about his dedication to the national team. In an interview with ConakrySport about his absence from recent squads, Naby Keita explained that his loyalty to the Syli National has never wavered.

"It's not just up to me. If it were solely my decision, I would be with the national team every day. I've always made myself available for the Syli National, and throughout my career, I've prioritized the national team," he stated.

His message is clear: as soon as the next coach picks up the phone, he'll answer the call with pride and motivation. Despite physical setbacks that have sidelined him from certain fixtures, his resurgence at Ferencváros, on loan from Werder Bremen, is affording him valuable playing time and renewed credibility.

Lydiane N'Po |

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Sports journalist specializing in African football, covering football news, exclusive stories and digital content for passionate fans of the game.