Cameroon goalkeeper André Onana announced his retirement from international football on Friday, December 23, 2022, just a month after being sent disagreeing with his managers.
The 26-year-old player was sent home from the World Cup following a dispute with coach Rigobert Song during a routine training at a camp in Qatar.
On his Twitter account, Onana noted that “my story with the Cameroonian national team has come to an end.”
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While announcing the news, the Inter Milan player stated that he had achieved all his dreams.
“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,” Onana wrote, without citing reasons for his decision.
Onana went further and narrated his life story to his fans, some of who supported his views.
“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.
“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,” read part of his statement.
The shot-stopper further divulged that he would continue to support the team.
“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 go I will always fight to lift the flag of Cameron as high as possible.
"I will continue to support as a fan, just as the more than 27 million Cameroonians do at every match,” added Onana.
The player, who helped his former club Ajax reach the UEFA Champions League final during the 2018/2019 season, also thanked those who believed in his abilities.
“I can only thank all those who trusted me and believed that I could add and contribute to this team. The nation first and forever,” he ended.
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