Newcastle’s Senegalese striker Demba Ba had mixed feelings after he was obliged to leave his club for a month to participate with Senegal in the African Cup of Nations.

"It will be a terrible blow to leave the team next month. This is my club and I am proud of it but this is for my country," Demba Ba said to the Sun.

"I am going there to play for my country and to try to win. I am not going there for a holiday. It is a big tournament. I have mixed feelings about going away, but I have to do it. I want to make my people and my country proud in the African Cup of Nations,’’ The Senegalese striker added.

Newcastle has struggled recently in the Premier League after making a good start in the competition.

The Magpies failed to win since their last victory against Everton in the 11th day of the Premier League to lie seventh in the League table.

‘’ll feel sad leaving at this stage because we need to improve some of our results,’’ Ba revealed.

Newcastle’s coach Alan Pardew also expressed his displeasure to lose his Senegalese striker during the African Cup of Nations.   

The 26-year-old striker produced a string of fine performances with the Magpies this season scoring 13 goals in 16 matches to be second best scorer in the Premier League until now.

(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online sports on Twitter: @AO_Sports)