Abdoulaye Doucouré rules out Everton absence during AFCON | OneFootball

Abdoulaye Doucouré has ruled out his potential Everton absence to play in the Africa Cup of Nations.

The midfielder’s renaissance for Sean Dyche’s side has opened up the possibility of a recall by Mali for January’s tournament in the Ivory Coast.

But Doucouré, who recently signed a new long-term deal at Goodison Park, revealed he is set to turn down his country’s potential request.

“I don’t think I’m going to make the Africa Nations Cup, to be honest,” said Doucouré.

“I think I’m going to stay here in an Everton shirt. I don’t want to go.

“It’s not a big, big decision because I went only one time for the Mali national team. I want to focus really on my career and on the club.

“I have all the respect for my country, but I am going to stay here.”

Doucouré emerged as an influential figure for Everton since his reintegration into their squad under Dyche earlier this year.

And the 30-year-old admits that the former Burnley boss has been key to that renaissance with a more advanced midfield role.

“The manager gives me a bit of freedom and allows me to come on the left, sometimes in the middle,” he added.

“He just wants to make sure I’m in the first line of pressing for the team because he knows I have the legs to press the opponents.

“After that, I have the freedom to score goals and make some assists, so it’s been good.”

Everton travel to Crystal Palace next weekend in hopes of building on their current 16th position in the Premier League table.