Why has André Onana retired from international football at 26?
Onana played in his country’s 1-0 World Cup defeat to Switzerland in Qatar but was left out of the team for the next two matches.
André Onana has announced his retirement from international football on Friday, a month after being sent home from the 2022 World Cup with Cameroon.
In a statement, the Inter Milan goalkeeper did not give specific reasons for his decision.
“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.”
Sent packing from World Cup
The 26-year-old shot-stopper played in his country’s 1-0 defeat to Switzerland in Qatar but was left out of the team for the next two matches after a reported disagreement with manager Rigobert Song over his playing style.
The country’s federation (FECAFOOT) said at the time, Onana, who won 34 caps for Cameroon, was suspended for “disciplinary reasons”.
Cameroon were eventually knocked out of the World Cup at the group stage, but finished the tournament with a shock win over Brazil.