Disappointment at the neutral stance taken by Cameroonian FA President Samuel Eto’o in his disagreement with coaching staff could be a key reason why Inter goalkeeper Andre Onana has decided to retire from the Cameroon national team.
This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Il Giornale, via FCInter1908, who report that a change in coach would not necessarily be enough to convince the Nerazzurri keeper to return to international football.
A tactical disagreement with Cameroon head coach Rigobert Song and other members of the Indomitable Lions’ coaching staff was reported to be behind Onana leaving the Cameroon team during the World Cup group stage.
This has led to some speculation that, even after the 26-year-old announced his retirement from international football yesterday, he could decide to return if Song is removed from his position.
According to Il Giornale, however, things are not that simple.
The situation that caused Onana to make the decision to retired from the national team was not as simple as having fallen out with the team’s coaching staff.
The 26-year-old was also disappointed that Eto’o did not come to his defense during the disagreement, and with the President’s role in his temporary suspension from the team.
Accordingly, Onana would still be unlikely to feel that he can repair his relationship with Eto’o in particular and with the hierarchy within the Cameroonian FA generally, regardless of what else happens.
