Cameroonian Goalkeeper, Removed from Team, Issues Statement

Cameroonian national team goalkeeper André Onana, who was dismissed from the national team ahead of the match against Serbia in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup, has released a statement. Reports indicate that Onana's removal was due to a conflict with head coach Rigobert Song.

“I want to express my love for my country and the national team. Yesterday I was not allowed to be on the pitch to help Cameroon, to help the team achieve its goals. I have always conducted myself in a way that brings success to the team, and I have behaved well. I gave my all, expended all my energy trying to find a solution to the situation that players often find themselves in, but there was no willingness from the other side. Some things are hard to accept. Nevertheless, I have always respected and supported the decisions made from above that are aimed at leading our team and our country to success.

I direct all my strength towards my teammates, as we have shown that we can go very far in this tournament. The values I uphold as a person and as a player are the values that characterize me, the values my family instilled in me as a child. Playing for the national team of Cameroon has always been a privilege. The nation comes first, and that will always be the case. Thank you,” Onana wrote on Twitter.