By Chris Simpson BBC Sport Online in Dakar

Accused by fans of betraying the nation and allowing fame to go to his head, Senegalese striker El Hadji Diouf has tried to explain the real reason behind his current absence from the national team.

Diouf snubs Senegal

After 24 hours of speculation over his decision not to play for Senegal in this weekend's Nations Cup qualifier in Lesotho, Diouf called a press conference in Dakar to explain his reasons for missing the game.

He told reporters in Dakar that he wants to play for his country more than anything else.

But he said he had to go home because his 'adoptive' father was seriously ill and he wanted to help.

Speculation had been rife that Diouf and his Liverpool team-mate Salif Diao had gone through with plans to boycott the national team over the departure of coach Bruno Metsu.

Diouf says Diao is not boycotting either

But Diouf said there had never been any boycott campaign, and that neither he nor Diao had ever threatened to withdraw their services.

Diouf said he had given the Senegalese Football Federation due warning of his unavailability for Sunday's match and stressed he wanted to carry on playing for his country.

"I am Senegalese and I am going to die Senegalese", said Diouf.

But many fans in Dakar remain highly critical, convinced Diouf has snubbed the national team and therefore the nation.

"I wouldn't throw things at him, like some people have done, but I'm very angry", said market trader Alioune Baye.

"Everything he has in this world is down to Senegal and he shouldn't forget that."

Fellow trader El Hadj N'Diaye said Diouf should not assume his place would be kept open.

"There are hundreds of Senegalese younger and more talented than him. He should forget about the coach. He plays for the Senegalese people, not for Bruno Metsu."