FORMER Wanderers striker El-Hadji Diouf says he is considering a bid to become president of Senegal.

The 37-year-old, who became a cult hero at Bolton featuring in two European campaigns between 2004 and 2008, says he is considering a career in politics.

Diouf played 132 games for Wanderers following a £4million move from Liverpool and scored 24 goals, including their first-ever in the UEFA Cup against Lokomotiv Plovdiv.

He went on to play for Sunderland, Blackburn Rovers, Doncaster Rovers, Leeds United and Rangers before finishing his playing career in Malaysia.

After completing his coaching badges he announced he wanted to become an MP in Senegal – but this week Diouf said:“I am looking after myself and my family. For many years I used to think about football but I have a new career and it is a political career.

“I have taken the decision to do politics because I have people waiting for me to change things in my country and I am ready to do that because I want to be the solider of the youngsters.”

Diouf courted controversy throughout his playing career but became hugely popular among the Bolton supporters, becoming a first team regular in the Premier League glory days under Sam Allardyce.

Now, he wants to become a figurehead for the Senegalese people.

He said: “My future is defined. In the next two years I will be joining politics, because I know from that point I can change a lot in football.

“I have a lot of passion for politics, and I have people in Senegal who are mentoring me.

“That is the future for me, because a lot of Senegalese people are able to listen to me.

“I took high-level coaching courses, but decided not to continue since I have better plans on things I want to do.

“But I am always available to advise my team whenever called upon.”