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Soccer

Deschamps unaware of Kalidou Koulibaly national team eligibility

By David Manuca FoxSports
Published | Updated
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CLAIREFONTAINE, FRANCE - NOVEMBER 10: France head coach Didier Deschamps during the second training session four days ahead of the friendly match against Germany on November 10, 2015 in Clairefontaine, France. (Photo by Frederic Stevens/Getty Images) ROME, ITALY - FEBRUARY 03: Kalidou Koulibaly of SSC Napoli in action during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and SSC Napoli at Stadio Olimpico on February 3, 2016 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

France coach Didier Deschamps has mistakenly been keeping taps on Senegal international Kalidou Koulibaly for the host nation's Euro 2016 squad.

Deschamps was quizzed on the chances of Aymeric Laporte being called up for the tournament considering his good form for Athletic Bilbao in 2015-16. The 1998 World Cup-winner said the young Basque faces competition from the likes of Barcelona's Jeremy Mathieu and Napoli's Koulibaly.

"For our defense, I've also been following Kouilibaly," he told French TV programme Canal Football Club.

The only problem is, despite being born in France, Koulibaly has played several times for Senegal since making his international debut for the African nation in 2015. When told of this revelation, a surprised Deschamps responded: "Really? Well, we'll see."

Koulibaly, who was equally suprised to hear about Deschamps' interest, told France's RMC on Tuesday:

"I think Deschamps missed something I am surprised he thought of me. When I arrived at Napoli I knew there was a chance I could get called up. I waited a long time for France to call and it never happened. I chose Senegal with my heart and I have no regrets. It is a team that is building with a good generation and young players who are doing well in England.

"I see myself continuing at Napoli. I've already learned a lot here, especially as a defender. The coach trusts me, so does the city, and I want to play in the Champions League with this club. It's a childhood dream."

H/T Football Italia and Mirror UK