Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana has left the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup Tournament and has spoken out on his shock suspension.
Onana insists he ‘always behaved in a way to lead to success despite an angry row with manager Rigobert Song.
Onana flies home after being told by Song he has no future at the tournament.
The Inter Milan star, 26, was removed from the country’s playing squad for their thrilling 3-3 draw against Serbia on Monday after he was involved in a reported shouting match with Song over the team’s playing style.
A further discussion with Song on Monday – as well as peace talks mediated by Cameroon legend Samuel Eto’o – could not resolve the matter, with Onana now officially leaving the Qatar tournament – despite him standing by his behaviour.
Onana said on Tuesday: ‘I want to express my affection for my Country and the National Team. Yesterday I was not allowed to be on the ground to help Cameroon, as I always do, to achieve the team’s goals. I always behaved in a way to lead the team to success in a good manner.
‘I have put all my efforts and energy into finding solutions to a situation that a footballer often experiences, but there has been no will on the other side. Some moments are difficult to assimilate. However, I always respect and support the decisions of the people in charge of pursuing the success of our Team and Country.
‘I extend all my strength to my teammates because we demonstrated that we are capable of going very far in this competition. The values that I promote as a person and as a player are the ones that identify me, and that my family has given me since childhood.
‘Representing Cameroon has always been a privilege. The Nation first and forever. Thank you!.’
Official statement pic.twitter.com/0ouCs5CBWQ
— Andre Onana (@AndreyOnana) November 29, 2022
