Papiss Cissé became an instant hit at Newcastle United, scoring 13 goals in 14 league matches in his first six months at St James’ Park.
The Magpies took the striker from SC Freiburg in January 2012 and after spending four-and-a-half years in England, he left the Tyneside club for Shandong Luneng in 2016.
Cissé made over 100 appearances for Newcastle, scoring 44 goals and registering 10 assists in all competitions.
Prior to joining the Premier League side, Bayern Munich were interested in acquiring his services. This was confirmed by the 35-year-old during an interview with Senegalese TV channel 2sTV, as relayed by LIGABlatt.
“I had an offer from them, the discussions were very good. But shortly before the transfer was [expected to be] completed, they told me that the move would only work if I didn’t participate in the African Cup of Nations with Senegal. I chose Senegal and rejected Bayern Munich,” he said.
LIGABlatt further adds for the same reason, his move to Portsmouth never took shape.
Bayern and Portsmouth both wanting the attacker to reject his country benefited Newcastle in completing his transfer.
Cissé featured in all three of Senegal’s group stage fixtures in the 2012 AFCON as they crashed out after suffering three defeats.
