Tottenham midfielder Moussa Sissoko has admitted he was “a little hurt” by his omission from France’s World Cup squad but says it is his aim to stay in the team following his recent recall.
Sissoko shone for Les Bleus at Euro 2016, earning himself a move from Newcastle United to Spurs that summer.
However, the Frenchman endured a difficult first couple of seasons in north London, making most of his appearances from the bench and failing to win over the Tottenham fans.
He was then left out of the France squad that won the World Cup in Russia, something he admits was a personal low point.
“My aim has always been the same. To try to perform and to produce results with this team,” Sissoko told RMC (via GFFN).
“Individually, I want to put in good performances if I receive playing time and to stay in the team for as long as possible. The fact that I was not in Russia was a regret, yes, I was a little hurt, but that is part of football, there are highs and lows.”
Sissoko appears to have found his feet at Spurs in recent weeks, putting in a string of impressive performances that have drawn plaudits from outside and inside the club.
That form has earned him a recall to the France squad and the 29-year-old will be hoping to play a part against the Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League on Wednesday night.
He added: “I had the chance to be at the Brazil World Cup and the Euros in France. Sadly, the Russian World Cup did not follow, but I am not beaten.
“I still have a career in front of me. Now it is up to me to try to play in the future big competitions.”