Andre Onana retires from Cameroon duty at age 26

Published on: 23 December 2022

Andre Onana has announced his retirement from international football after being removed from Cameroon's 2022 World Cup squad last month.

Onana, who started for the Indomitable Lions 1-0 defeat to Switzerland in their Group G opener was replaced by Devis Epassy for the team's 3-3 draw against Serbia.

The 26-year-old was not listed among the substitutes and was sent home following a blazing row with coach Rigobert Song, who reportedly took issue with his goalkeeping style.

He wrote on his twitter page: "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.

'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 Cameron [sic] 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 thank all those who trusted me and believed that I could add and contribute to this team.'

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Onana started all of Cameroon's games this year, having served a nine-month doping ban last year.

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