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Newcastle United midfielder Mo Diame has announced his retirement from international football to allow him to ‘fully focus’ on his club career.

The 29-year-old played 36 times for Senegal and took part in this year’s Africa Cup of Nations as his country reached the quarterfinals.

In a statement the former Hull City midfielder said he believed he was no longer one of the players in ‘better shape’ for his county.

He said: “I believe that there are now 23 Senegalese players in better shape.

“After much thought and consideration I feel that now is the appropriate time to focus fully on my club career.”

Since Aliou Cisse took over the team, Diame has largely be used as substitute featuring only once in this year’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Diame signed from Hull City in the summer after scoring the winning goal for the Tigers in the play-off final back in May.

He has played 33 times and scored six goals in all competitions this season for United as Rafa Benitez looks to guide United back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Diame has been battling with Ayoze Perez for a starting place in United's line-up with Benitez yet to chose a permanent fixture in the number ten role.