Striker Demba Ba has revealed that he would be happy to return to the Senegal national team to face Ghana in a friendly now that head coach Alain Giresse has left.

“I spoke to Aliou Cisse and I made it clear that my absence from the national team was not a self-imposed exile,” Ba was quoted as saying by the BBC.

“I cannot reveal what was discussed but it was very encouraging and he was happy to know I am available for selection,” he said. Cisse was recently appointed coach of Senegal as he replaced Giresse.

The 38-year-old coach signed a four-year contract as Senegal boss and played 35 times for his country as a player. Ba was left out of the Senegal national team African Cup of Nations 2015 squad after falling out with Giresse.

The prolific striker revealed that he is on good terms with Cisse and that he could return to the fold.

“The coach made it clear that Senegal’s interest must always take precedence over personal interest,” he added.

“As gentlemen we both agreed that our country comes first and that’s what really matters.”