Edouard Mendy has once again taken aim France Football after he was snubbed for a Ballon d'Or nomination.
The Chelsea goalkeeper, who helped the Blues become one of the best defensive sides in Europe and win the Champions League in 2021, was not included on the 30-man shortlist for the coveted award.
Mendy has questioned whether his nationality, Senegalese, impacted organisers France Football's decision, hinting that he would have been nominated if he played for the French national team.
"It's something that motivates me and pushes me to work. Honestly, I am wondering," the 29-year-old told Canal Plus via Wiw Sport regarding his snub.
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"If I had played for France and had taken part in the [European Championships], would we have this debate and this reflection?"
Mendy had previously commented on his omission more impartially in October, also telling Canal Plus: "Do I think it’s an injustice? No, I wouldn’t use that word."
"It’s something that motivates me to go forward, to work and be performant at club level and with my country, and as I said after the game with the national team, it’s the journalists’ freedom of vote and expression, and they vote honourably and conscientiously."
The Senegal stopper was signed by former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard from Ligue 1 side Rennes in the summer of 2020 and has been a revelation at Stamford Bridge.
On Saturday, he was 11 minutes away from keeping his sixth successive clean sheet at club level, but the Blues conceded late on against Burnley to draw 1-1.
International team-mates Sadio Mane and Kalidou Koulibaly have voiced their dismay, with Liverpool star Mane describing it as "unacceptable."
Napoli defender Koulibaly described the snub as "a shame" and pointed out a historic feat Mendy achieved this year.
"It’s a real shame that Edou isn’t one of them. He is the first African goalkeeper to win the Champions League," the Serie A stalwart explained.
"We must continue to work and move forward. We have to do the double [the work] of some people to be well judged.
"Edou is a very positive person. We talked about it together.
"He will continue to fight to be part of it. For me, he has a place among these 30 players."
Meanwhile, five of Mendy's Chelsea team-mates have been nominated.
Defender Cesar Azpilicueta, midfielders Mason Mount, Jorginho and N'Golo Kante, and striker Romelu Lukaku are up for the prestigious prize.
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However, boss Thomas Tuchel evidently does not care much for individual recognition.
"Do you believe me if I told you I don’t know who is on the list?" Tuchel asked reporters last month.
"I am not into the individual awards. What we did last season was a team effort.
"We reached the final - a big one to win - and that gives us the opportunity to have names on the list.
"I hope one of our players gets it because it will increase the confidence. But I don’t know what five names are on the list."
