Chelsea completed the signing of highly-rated central defender Mamadou Sarr from Strasbourg in June and now the 20-year-old is set to kickstart his career at international level

Chelsea defender Mamadou Sarr has pledged his international allegiance to Senegal - despite featuring for France at youth team level.

The 20-year-old centre-back, who signed from BlueCo-owned Strasbourg in June in a deal worth up to ?12million, rejoined the Ligue 1 club on loan after making his Chelsea debut from the bench at the Club World Cup against ES Tunis.

However, the Blues see big potential in Sarr and he has penned a long-term contract at Stamford Bridge which will run until the summer of 2033.

Having represented France for the crux of his youth career, the talented youngster has now decided to play for Senegal and has been included in their squad for their upcoming friendly against Brazil at the Emirates Stadium.

Sarr previously captained France's U17s and was part of the Les Bleus youth side that won the U17 European Championships in 2022. He also went on to earn caps for France's U18s, U19 and U20s sides but has now decided to play for Senegal.

The Lions of Teranga have already qualified for next summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico meaning he could be in line to feature in the tournament.

Additionally, Senegal also begin their Africa Cup of Nations campaign in December when they square off against Botswana, Benin and DR Congo in Group D.

Despite being born in France, Sarr qualifies to represent Senegal via his father, Pape Sarr, who previously made 54 appearances for the African nation.

Sarr Snr was part of the Senegal side that reached the 2002 World Cup quarter-finals, stunning France with a 1-0 victory in the opening match of the tournament.

Mamadou Sarr with the Club World Cup trophy following Chelsea's win over PSG(Image: Photo by Mart?n Fonseca/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

Paris Saint-Germain forward Ibrahim Mbaye has also joined Sarr in choosing to represent Senegal.

Speaking back in June, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca said both Sarr and fellow new arrival Darrio Essugo will "both need time" to adapt to their new surroundings in west London.

The Italian said: ?The other two will need time: they are both born in 2005, we will have to understand when they will be ready but in perspective they are very strong players.?

Sarr has featured eight times in Ligue 1 this season under Liam Rosenior after making 27 league appearances last term, prior to the transfer.

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