Cameroon star Andre Onana has retired from international football after he was sent home from the World Cup.
The former Ajax goalkeeper, who is now at Inter Milan, is just 26 but saw his experience in Qatar cut short after clashing with manager Rigobert Song regarding his playing style. Onana had claimed 34 caps for the African nation, but was dropped for the 3-3 draw with Serbia.
Tensions between the player and his boss reportedly boiled over following the opening defeat to Switzerland. Onana said on the situation: “I put all my efforts and my energy into unravelling the situation, but I did not get the reception I expected. I want to express my affection for my country and the Indomitable Lions.
“Some moments are difficult to understand. However, I always consider and respect the decisions of the people responsible for the management and supervision of our team."
Cameroon beat Brazil in their final group game, but it wasn't enough to see them progress as Switzerland finished second to the South Americans. Onana has now decided to call him on his international career, despite his tender age.
He said in a statement: "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.
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"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 trams 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 thanks all those who trusted me and believed that I could add and contribute to this team."
