Cisse disappointed to miss Olympics

The 27-year-old was wanted by the nation as one of its overage players for the football tournament, which the side kicked off with a 1-1 draw against host Great Britain at Old Trafford.

However Newcastle United, who lost the striker to the African Cup of Nations and faced the prospect of having to do without him again for the same tournament, persuaded Cisse not to go, with manager Alan Pardew later admitting the side could not afford to lose him again.

Cisse told the Evening Chronicle: "It was difficult. I wanted to play, but I had a discussion with the manager as soon as I got back.

"I wanted to play for my country, as representing Senegal is very important to me, but the manager said it was best that I rested.

"He said it was better for me, and I understood his decision.

"God willing, I will score a lot more goals this season. I scored 30 goals last season, but I don't set targets for the next season.

"Maybe I will score 30 again - I don't know."

Cisse was a major hit at Newcastle during the second half of last season, following his $15 million January capture.

He scored 13 times as the Magpies finished fifth in the English Premier League to secure a return to European football.