Published on 24 Dec 2022 12:43 am (UK Time)
Inter Milan goalkeeper, Andre Onana, has announced his retirement from international football with Cameroon, following a dispute with manager Rigobert Song at the 2022 World Cup.
A disagreement between Cameroon first choice goalkeeper, Andre Onana, and manager Rigobert Song saw the Inter Milan goalkeeper on a plane out of Qatar much earlier than anticipated.
After starting the first game of the tournament, the 26-year-old was left out of the squad for Cameroon’s second game of the group stages and was consequently sent home with a suspension.
Cameroon were then knocked out of the competition inside the group stage phase despite not losing since Onana’s departure.
But this Friday Onana officially announced his retirement from his national side, posting on his Twitter:
“It all started in Ngol Nkok, a small village where, from a very young age, my family passed on to me the values that identify the Cameroonian people. I understood that love for this country is eternal and that commitment is non-negotiable.” said the ex-Cameroon international.
“I remember how we watch the matches as a family. Only Cameroonians can understand what it means to us to see the Indomitable Lions play. That’s when I started dreaming of one day wearing the national team jersey. And now, after endless hours of training, endless trips and a lot of perseverance, I can proudly say that I have fulfilled my great dream. “
“But every story, however, beautiful it may be, has its end. And my story with the Cameroonian national team has come to an end. Players come and go, names are fleeting, but Cameroon comes before any person or player. Cameroon remains eternal and so does my love for the national team and for our people who have always supported us no matter how difficult the moment was.
“My feeling will never change. My Cameroonian heart will continue to beat and wherever I go I will always fight to lift the flag of Cameroon as high as possible.
“I will continue to support as a fan, just as the more than 27 million Cameroonians do at every match. I can only thank all those who trusted me and believed that I could ass and contribute to this team. The nation first and forever.”
It remains to be seen if Onana follows through with his decision long-term, as his troubles seem to lie with current manager Rigobert Song.
If the Cameroon manager were to make an exit anytime in the near future, there may be deliberation over a return to national team colours for the ex-Cameroon goalkeeper, however, for now, Onana is now officially retired from international football.
