Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana retires from international football
Andre Onana has retired from international football after being sent home during the World Cup.
The Cameroon goalkeeper played just once for his nation at the World Cup before he was sent home owing to a fallout between him and his manager.
Taking to his social media pages, the 26-year-old said: “After endless hours of training, endless trips and a lot perseverance, I can proudly say that I have fulfilled my great dream.
“But every story, however beautiful it may be, has to 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…
“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.”
Onana flew home after only appearing in the Indomitable Lions opening clash against Switzerland.
He was then left out of the matchday squad to face Serbia entirely, with Onana and manager Rigobert Song clashing over his playing style.
Following the disagreement, Onana expressed his love for his nation and blasted the “other side” due to them having no willingness to work out the issues.
He wrote at the time: “I have put all my efforts and energy into finding solutions to a situation that a footballer often experiences, but there has been no will on the other side.
“Some moments are difficult to assimilate. However, I always respect and support the decisions of the people in charge of pursuing the success of our team and country.”
Leaked footage also appeared to reveal that Onana “cried” after his axing, with Song believed to be speaking to a member of his coaching team.
Cameroon would end up crashing out of the World Cup at the Group Stage, drawing 3-3 with Serbia before beating Brazil thanks to a stunning late goal from Vincent Aboubakar.
On his retirement, Onana added: “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 add and contribute to this team.”
