The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon have kissed their captain, Benjamin Moukandjo a bitter goodbye.
Moukandjo, who led his team to the finals of the African Nations Cup in 2017, dropped news of his shocking departure from International football in a press release on September 22.
The former Indomitable Lions captain explains that his sudden retirement from the Cameroonian football squad has everything to do with him been disgraced and dropped out of the team’s first set of players by the new coach, Clarence Seedorf.
“I became aware of my non-selection in the first list of players called for the 2019 AFCON qualifiers of the Indomitable Lions pre-season campaign and statements from national coach Clarence Seedorf. However, I find this approach inelegant and unfair to me.
Inelegant because I did not even receive a phone call, in my capacity as team captain who led the Lions to the fifth coronation of Cameroon as the African Football Champions in 2017, despite the contingencies that repeatedly wanted to influence the unity and togetherness of the group.
Unfair because of the argument put forward by the coach that players of “exotic championships” do not deserve to be called for competitiveness deficit.
On this subject, and in all modesty, my current real professional level, as well as that of my other teammates, should have first been evaluated in the field of play before making any decision to exempt us from the squad. In all objectivity, because the selection must remain open to all Cameroonian talents.
In my soul and conscience I have decided to withdraw from the Cameroon national football team.
I remain proud of my years with the Indomitable Lions and thank all my teammates, and those who supported and trusted me.
I withdraw, convinced in all humility, to have accomplished my mission and to have lived up to the expectations of my country.
I wish all my teammates good luck as they defend the Lions at the next AFCON, which I ardently hope they win again for the honour of Cameroon,” Moukandjo wrote in a press release.
(PS. We tried to translate to English the original copy in French)
The former captain has been receiving well wishes from his former teammates including Christian Bassogog, Olivier Mbaizo, Onyongo Bitolo and many other sports fans.
