Surprise in Cameroon.
At only 26 years old, goalkeeper André Onana announced his international retirement via a message on his social networks.
“I can say with pride that I realized my big dream [...] but every story, no matter how beautiful, has an end.
“, he said, before proclaiming his love for his country.
“Players come and go, names are fleeting, but Cameroon comes before any person or player.
Cameroon is eternal.
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He did not justify his decision, preferring to say that he will continue to be behind his country: "I will always fight to carry my country as high as possible [...] Now I will continue to follow and support my away team.
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❤️🇨🇲 pic.twitter.com/yclau0Kf4M
— Andre Onana (@AndreyOnana) December 23, 2022
Present with the Indomitable Lions for their entry into the World Cup in Qatar, on November 24 against Switzerland, André Onana had been dismissed from the national team on November 28, following a disagreement with his coach Rigobert Song.
A decision taken a few hours before Cameroon's second match, a draw (3-3) against Serbia.
It therefore seems that this incident precipitated his international retirement, even if he did not provide any details on this subject.
This isn't the first time he's made headlines.
He had been suspended for 12 months by UEFA in February 2021 after testing positive for Furosemide, a banned substance.
He had defended himself by evoking a drug for his wife taken by mistake.
André Onana therefore left the national team at the age of 26, after 34 games in Cameroonian colours.
He was called up for the first time for a friendly match against the France team in May 2016, won 3-2 by the Blues.
His first selection dates from September 6 of the same year, a victory (2-1) in a friendly match against Gabon.
The highlight of his international career is a third place at CAN 2022, obtained by beating Burkina Faso on penalties, thanks to his stoppage against Blati Touré.