Patrick Vieira says Ismail Jakobs’ decision to end his Senegal career is “difficult to understand”, after the Galatasaray defender announced his international retirement at the age of 27.

Jakobs confirmed his decision on 29 October, despite Vieira having included him in the squad for Senegal’s matches against Sudan on 12 and 16 November.

Speaking at a news conference on Thursday while announcing his squad, Senegal manager Vieira explained how the defender informed him of his plans.

“After he received the call-up, he called me a few days later to tell me he wanted to end his international career,” said Vieira.

“I accepted it with a little bitterness, let’s say, because I feel he is at the peak of his career.”

Vieira said he believed it was unusual for a player of Jakobs’ age, and one playing for a major club, to walk away from international football.

“I think it is always a shame when a player of that age, who plays for a big club, ends his international career,” he added. “But it was his choice and I have to accept it.”

The former France midfielder admitted, however, that he had struggled to understand the decision.

“It is true that, personally, it is difficult to understand,” Vieira said. “But it is his choice and I have no other way of dealing with it.”

The comments follow several weeks of uncertainty over Jakobs’ future with Senegal. Reports in September suggested the defender was considering retirement, although Vieira attempted to reassure supporters that he would remain available.

In an interview with RTS on 15 October, Vieira indicated that the issues had been resolved and even suggested Jakobs could return for the November fixtures.

Two weeks later, Jakobs made his retirement official.

The outcome represents a setback for Vieira, whose public assurances about the player’s future were ultimately contradicted by Jakobs’ decision.

Jakobs won 33 caps for Senegal and has chosen to prioritise “his club and his family”. His decision came after El Hadji Malick Diouf moved ahead of him and following a World Cup marked by organisational problems.

The defender’s withdrawal leaves Vieira without a player he had expected to use during the November international window, while Senegal prepare to face Sudan on consecutive matchdays.