Edouard Mendy has arrived in Abu Dhabi to take part in Chelsea's Fifa Club World Cup campaign, and the goalkeeper was met with cheers and applause from his teammates after his instrumental role in Senegal's Africa Cup of Nations triumph.
Mendy, 29, was named goalkeeper of the tournament as Senegal ended their long wait for a first Afcon title by defeating Egypt 4-2 on penalties after Sunday's final in Cameroon ended goalless after extra time.
After celebrating Senegal's success and taking part in a trophy parade which attracted thousands of people in Dakar, Mendy made his way to the UAE to reunite with his club as they prepare to begin their Club World Cup mission against Asian champions Al Hilal on Wednesday evening.
In a clip posted to Chelsea's Twitter account, Mendy could be seen shaking hands and hugging his teammates as players and staff applauded their goalkeeper on his arrival.
Mendy, who seven years ago was without a club and registered for unemployment, is enjoying a remarkably successful spell since joining Chelsea at the start of last season. He has won the Uefa Champions League and reached two further finals with his club, and was named The Best FIFA Men's Goalkeeper for 2021.
Fresh from winning the Afcon title, Mendy will now aim to help Chelsea win the Club World Cup, with South American champions Palmeiras awaiting the the Blues in the final if they get past Al Hilal.
However, it remains unclear whether Mendy will start the game against Hilal so soon after arriving, with understudy Kepa Arrizabalaga excelling in his absence.
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Senegal President Macky Sall, centre, holds the Africa Cup of Nations trophy flanked by Senegal coach Aliou Cisse, left, and captain Kalidou Koubaly in Dakar on Monday, February 7, 2022. AFP -
Supporters crowd the roads around the Dakar airport ahead of the Senegalese football team's arrival after winning the Africa Cup of Nations. AFP -
Senegal President Macky Sall, left, with Senegal captain Kalidou Koubaly in Dakar. AFP -
Senegalese fans wait to welcome their national team after the Afcon win over Egypt in the final. Reuters -
Supporters cheers ahead of the Senegalese football team's arrival in Dakar on Monday, January 7, 2022, after winning the Africa Cup of Nations. AFP -
Supporters cheers ahead of Senegal team's arrival in Dakar a day after the national team defeated Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations final. AFP -
Senegal's President Macky Sall declared Monday a public holiday to celebrate the national team's first ever African Cup of Nations title. AFP -
Senegalese fans celebrate as they await the return of their national football team in Dakar on Monday. AP
