Digimagaz.com – Manchester United’s Andre Onana has officially ended his brief retirement from international football, confirming his return to the Cameroon national team. This move could potentially deal a blow to the English club, as the goalkeeper’s national duties might impact his availability for United.
Having transitioned from Inter Milan to Manchester United during the summer, Onana has since played four matches for the Red Devils. However, it’s his international career that has caught significant attention lately. He has represented Cameroon 34 times since his debut in 2016 and was part of the squad for the 2022 World Cup held in Qatar, though the team experienced a setback in their opening match against Switzerland.
Despite his prowess on the field, Onana was sent back home during the World Cup by the national team manager, Rigobert Song, over ‘disciplinary issues’, allegedly stemming from a disagreement about Song’s tactics. This event led Onana to announce his retirement from the Cameroon squad on 23rd December. However, recent developments suggest a significant change of heart.
On Monday, Onana released a heartfelt statement regarding his decision to return. He stressed his enduring love and dedication to Cameroon and noted that his commitment to representing the nation has been a fundamental part of his identity since his youth. He expressed gratitude towards the Cameroonian government and its people, highlighting the importance of unity and collaboration for the betterment of the nation.
Cameroon, which hosted and reached the semi-finals in the 2022 African Cup of Nations only to be defeated by Egypt, now finds itself on the cusp of qualifying for next year’s tournament. Securing at least a draw against Burundi next Tuesday would seal their participation. And in what seems like a strategic move, Onana has been included in the squad for this pivotal match, a mere nine months after his announced retirement.
It remains to be seen how Onana’s renewed commitment to the Cameroon squad will play out in the broader context of his professional career, especially considering his recent shift to Manchester United.
