Andre Onana comes out of retirement to join Cameroon

Manchester United's number one shot-stopper, Andre Onana has decided to come out of retirement to join the Cameroonian national team.

The former Inter Milan goalkeeper confirmed the news on his official social media accounts on Monday, September 4, 2023, just days after his name was included in the team list ahead of the game against Burundi. The 27-year-old had previously announced his retirement from international football in December 2022 after a disagreement with head coach Rigobert Song at the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup.

"In the world of football, just like in life, defining moments arise, requiring crucial choices. In recent months, I have been confronted with trials marked by injustice and manipulation. However, my unwavering love and attachment to my homeland, Cameroon, remains intact. 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 respond to my nation’s call with unwavering certainty, aware that my return is not only to honour my dream but also to respond to the expectation and support of Cameroonians, who deserve a national team determined to shine. Faced with manipulation, lies and abuse of power, I choose to remain faithful to my ideal, proudly representing a country that deserves our sincere commitment. This is the time to unite, to work in harmony for our common good: Cameroon. would like to salute the government which is working tirelessly to build a better Cameroon for all."

Andre Onana thanked everyone in Cameroon who showed him support during the period that he was away from the team.

“My deepest thoughts go to the Cameroonian people to whom I say thank you very much for their support and whom I look forward to seeing again. Time, the infallible judge of all things, will ultimately enlighten us and reveal the correctness of our actions. My commitment to Cameroon remains unwavering, and I am determined to play my part to see it prosper. So see you on September 12 in Garoua for our qualification for the next African Football Cup of Nations.”

However, Onana has failed to hit the ground running since he moved to Manchester United because of his poor performance in goal. He has conceded eight goals in his first four games for United.