Why I cheated on my age, disturbing confession from Senegal international

Former Senegal international Guirane N'Daw has confessed that he lowered his age to gain the chance to play in Europe and also to have a longer time of service.

In a shocking interview with Senegalese radio IGFM as cited by Sportbible.com, N’Daw, who now plays for French sixth division side AS Algrange, openly admitted he was older than his registered age throughout his professional football career that began at Sochaux in 2002.

The 36-year-old also revealed that age cheating is a common practice in his homeland.

"What is certain is that in Senegal, 99% of players have reduced their age," he explains.

"Senegalese [players] are generally very small and when he goes to Europe at 20, he will see that young people of 15 are stronger than him.

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He added: "Like all Senegalese, I lowered my age to be professional. In Africa, the player who does not lower his age cannot be professional [in Europe], it's a reality."

N'Daw, has played in Europe for the last eighteen years, featuring for the likes of Ligue 2 side Sochaux (2002–2008), Nantes (2008–2010), Saint-Etienne (on loan 2009–2010), Zaragoza (on loan 2011), Birmingham City (on loan 2011–2012), Ipswich Town (on loan 2012–2013), Asteras Tripolis (2013–2014), Metz (2014–2015) and Lens (2015–2016).

He joined amateur French club AS Algrange last year after he originally retired at the age of ‘31 years' in 2016.

N'Daw also made 41 appearances for his national side.