Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has come out of retirement to rejoin the Cameroon national team for their upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Burundi.
Onana announced his retirement from international football last year in December after the World Cup due to a disagreement with Cameroon head coach Rigobert Song.
Towards the end of last month, Song recalled Onana for national duty and the player has finally changed his mind and will play for his country again, saying that his love for Cameroon is unshakeable.
“In the world of football, as in life, decisive moments arise that require crucial choices to be made. In recent months, I have been confronted with trials marked by injustice and manipulation. Yet my unshakeable love and attachment to my homeland, Cameroon, remain intact,” Onana said in a lengthy statement.
“My desire to represent my country has never wavered since my youth, and this aspiration remains an inseparable part of my identity. Nothing and no one can shake this conviction.
“I answer my nation’s call with unshakeable certainty, aware that my return is not only to honour my dream but also to respond to the expectations and support of Cameroonians, who deserve a national team determined to shine.
“In the face of manipulation, lies, and abuse of power, I choose to remain true to my ideals, proudly representing a country that deserves our sincere commitment. Now is the time to unite, to work in harmony for our common good: Cameroon.
“I would like to salute the government, which is working hard to build a better Cameroon for all.
“My thoughts are with the people of Cameroon, to whom I offer my infinite thanks for their support, and whom I look forward to seeing again.
“Time, the infallible judge of all things, will eventually enlighten us and reveal the rightness of our actions. My commitment to Cameroon remains unwavering, and I am determined to play my part in seeing it prosper.”
Onana made his debut for the Indomitable Lions in 2016 and has made 34 caps since then. He was crowned the Cameroonian Footballer of the Year in 2018.
Last month, he joined Manchester United from Inter Milan and has made four appearances already, including yesterday’s 3-1 loss to Arsenal.
If Cameroon qualify for the AFCON next year, Onana could miss up to four Manchester United Premier League matches between January and February.
