Onana Retires From Cameroon National Team After Disagreement With Manager Song
Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana has retired from international football after falling out with manager Rigobert Song during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The Inter Milan goalkeeper, who has 34 caps for the Indomitable Lions, started their 1-0 defeat to Switzerland in their opening World Cup game before clashing with Song over his playing style.
Onana preferred to play out from the back as evidenced by his 26 touches outside the box against the Swiss but Song wanted a less risky approach.
Onana's name was conspicuously missing from the team sheet for Cameroon's 3-3 draw with Serbia in their second group game, with Devis Epassy chosen to start between the sticks.
Onana played no further part in Cameroon's remaining games and was expelled from camp before the conclusion of the group stage games.
The former Ajax Amsterdam shop stopper has now announced he will not be making a return to the national team at a tender age of 26.
"Every story, however beautiful it may be, always has its end. And my story with the Cameroon national team has reached this point. Players come and go, but Cameroon always comes before any person or player," Onana said in a statement.
"Cameroon will always remain the same as my love for the national team shirt and for our people who have always supported us regardless of the difficulties.
"My feelings have not changed. My Cameroonian heart will keep beating and wherever it goes it will fight to always raise the flag of Cameroon as high as possible.
"I will continue to support Cameroon as a fan, just like 27 million Cameroonians do at every game. I can only thank all those who trusted me and believed that I could contribute to the team."
