Kanoute opts for Mali

umelo14 · Post by **umelo14** » Tue Dec 30, 2003 12:16 am

Kanoute opts for Mali

Kanoute may quit Spurs dogfight
Frederic Kanoute has said he will play for Mali in the Nations Cup.
Kanoute is set to defy his club Spurs, who want the striker to reject overtures from Mali and stay at White Hart Lane.

The tournament starts in Tunisia on 24 January and Kanoute said: "I should be going with Mali. I have decided to play for them and I have told Spurs."

Frustrated Spurs caretaker boss David Pleat said: "It is a tester for him whether he wants to stay and fight."

He added: "His decision to play for Mali has not been confirmed. The matter is complicated.

"I don't think there is any way we can stop him going.

"We will have to see how the situation develops but obviously it is not in Freddie's or the club's interests for him to go."

I have decided to play for Mali and I have told Spurs

Frederic Kanoute

Kanoute, 26, is Spurs' leading scorer with seven league goals this term, and his absence would be a massive blow after they sunk into the Premiership's bottom three after defeat at home to Charlton.

Kanoute was selected by Mali coach Henri Stambouli in his preliminary squad of 32 for the finals.

Although Kanoute has played for the French under-21 team, he is eligible to play for Mali under Fifa regulations.

BBC Sport

somebody · Post by **somebody** » Tue Dec 30, 2003 5:59 am

"We will have to see how the situation develops but obviously it is not in Freddie's or the club's interests for him to go."

Pleat must be out of his mind to say this

mister dolly · Post by **mister dolly** » Tue Dec 30, 2003 6:05 am

Now this is a player that is risking his club future to serve his country.. I hope Malians appreciate his gesture..

Way to go Kanoute..

If the EPL managers could have their way, the ANC would be downgraded to just a mickey mouse competition with all the top African stars missing in action...

Aniefiok Abrakpan · Post by **Aniefiok Abrakpan** » Tue Dec 30, 2003 6:09 am

It is great that Kanoute will play for Mali. I pity him though because he always gets injured. I am sure that after a few crunchers at ANC he will be out for months.

Aniefiok Abrakpan · Post by **Aniefiok Abrakpan** » Tue Dec 30, 2003 6:10 am

It is great that Kanoute will play for Mali. I pity him though because he always gets injured. I am sure that after a few crunchers at ANC he will be out for months.

Nkume · Post by **Nkume** » Tue Dec 30, 2003 6:46 am

And Obafemi dey do inyanga! Up freddie!

Molue Conductor · Post by **Molue Conductor** » Tue Dec 30, 2003 6:53 am

this is the third time this topic is posted!!