Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images
Cameroon captain and forward Benjamin Moukandjo announced his international retirement following comments made by new head coach Clarence Seedorf.
Moukandjo, who led Cameroon to win the 2017 African Cup of Nations in Gabon, currently plays for China’s Beijing Renhe.
He decided to end his international career after not being included in Seedorf’s squad for the 2019 AFCON qualifier against Comoros.
Seedorf revealed before that China-based players will not be part of his first-team squad. The coach said that for him, good young players don’t compete in China or in Asia.
“Players must understand that if they go after more lucrative contracts, then they forfeit their chances of playing in the national team,” Seedorf explained. “But we’re not closing the door on anyone, we want disciplined and hardworking players and if someone is in the Middle East yet he can deliver for the team, we’ll bring him in.”
The Cameroon captain and former FC Lorient forward said in a press release that such comments were behind his recent decision.
“I found the recent comments by Mr Clarence Seedorf very brash and unfair. Unfair because despite being the team captain, I never received a call from the coach to inform me about his decision,” the player said.
“My real level and that of my other team-mates should’ve been assessed on the pitch before the coach made his decision to sideline any player.
“I am proud of the time I spent with the Indomitable Lions and I would like to thank all my team-mates who supported and trusted in me. I am convinced in all humility that I have accomplished my mission, living up to the expectations of my country.
“I wish the team good luck for the next Africa Cup of Nations and I hope they will be able to win it for the honor of Cameroon,” he concluded.
