Former Chelsea star is under fire after AFCON dispute with Senegal star

Como head coach Cesc Fabregas has found himself at the centre of an international storm after comments regarding Senegal forward Assane Diao sparked outrage among the player’s national supporters.

The former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder has seen his social media accounts flooded with angry reactions from Senegalese fans following remarks he made after Como’s Serie A defeat to Roma.

During the match, 20-year-old Diao was forced off with an adductor injury, an issue that now appears likely to rule him out of Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign.

Speaking after the game, Fabregas revealed details of a tense exchange with Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw before the match, centred on concerns over Diao’s fitness.

“I asked for some common sense, please, not to take him to the Africa Cup of Nations because in eight months he’s only played three games, half-baked,” Fabregas said.

The Como coach voiced frustration over the club’s situation should the player travel while not fully fit.

“If he leaves, we’ll pay his wages and find ourselves with a player out,” he added.

Fabregas also claimed that Senegal’s coaching staff issued a stark warning regarding Diao’s international future.