Former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy insists winning the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal was ten times better than lifting the Champions League in 2021.
The 34-year-old retired from international duty last week after a career that delivered two continental crowns.
Mendy recalled the chaotic 2023 final in Rabat where Senegal beat Morocco on penalties after a 17-minute protest delay.
He saved Brahim Diaz's Panenka attempt by reading the Real Madrid forward's early slow-down during the shootout.
Caf later awarded Morocco a 3-0 forfeit win after ruling Senegal had abandoned the pitch, a decision Mendy rejects.
"The final was completed, we were given the trophy and celebrated in our country," Mendy said of the disputed outcome.
His international exit comes despite a personal plea from new Senegal coach Patrick Vieira to reconsider the decision.
Mendy recently added a second successive Asian Champions League title with Saudi club Al-Ahli to his collection.
A knee injury suffered against Norway cut short his World Cup campaign in Qatar.
The argument doing the rounds in Kampala is whether Caf can really erase a final that ended with a trophy presentation and a victory parade.
Mendy won Afcon titles in 2021 and 2023 with the Teranga Lions.
He kept goal for Chelsea during their 2021 Champions League triumph under Thomas Tuchel.
Al-Ahli secured back-to-back Asian Champions League crowns with Mendy between the posts.
Senegal's appeal against the forfeit ruling will be heard at the Court of Arbitration for Sport next month.
Source: The Guardian
