Senegal: Behind Ismail Jakobs’ premature international retirement

At 27, Galatasaray left-back Ismail Jakobs officially announced his international retirement on Wednesday after four years with Senegal. He said he wanted to focus more on his club career and family. Journalist Fatima Sylla had reported his decision on September 18, but coach Patrick Vieira had played it down after speaking with the player and citing personal issues and imperfect communication. Vieira had expected Jakobs to return for Senegal’s November camp, but the defender announced his departure two weeks later.