Pape Gueye has announced he is stepping away from the Senegal national team for as long as the current coaching staff remains in place, citing his dissatisfaction following the team's dramatic World Cup exit.

The Villarreal midfielder, 27, made the declaration on social media after Senegal squandered a 2-0 lead to lose to Belgium in their last-32 encounter at the World Cup. Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr had fired Senegal into a commanding position before Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans hauled Belgium level in the closing stages, forcing extra time.

The tie was settled in the most contentious of circumstances — a controversial penalty in the 125th minute, converted by Tielemans, sent Senegal crashing out of the tournament.

Gueye had started the match before being substituted for Lamine Camara in the 66th minute. He enters this dispute having earned 45 caps for his country and having scored twice in Senegal's group-stage victory over Iraq.