Alex Song announces lions retirement

Alex Song

West Ham midfielder Alex Song has put an end to his international career after his exclusion from his country’s Africa Cup of Nations squad.
    Since serving his two-match ban by FIFA for elbowing Croatian striker, Mario Mandzukic at the World Cup in Brazil, the versatile holding midfielder was never called-up again for any lions’ assignment.
    The 27-year-old who currently on loan from Spanish giants Barcelona, is arguably in top form with the Hammers. It was surprising to many that he was excluded from the AFCON 2015 squad.
    Although Song’s exclusion was not welcome by Cameroonians, West Ham supporters say it is a “Christmas gift from God” as Song will not be going for the AFCON.
    Speaking about why Song was omitted from the squad, Cameroon’s assistant coach Ibrahim Tanko said: “Song was suspended by the [Cameroon] FA so there was no need to go with him to the African Cup. Besides the FA has not lifted the suspension on him yet so he is not part of our plans for the tournament,” Tanko told ghanasoccernet.com

    Also, there was wide rumour that Alex Song’s call-up has been hindered by the President of the FECAFOOT Normalization Committee, Joseph Owona, who is said to believe that Song’s return to the lions’ den might jeopardize the serenity in the camp.
    After talks between Song and Cameroon for a late call-up broke down, Song took to instagram to announce his retirement.
    He said: “My love for my country will never change but I want to take time to focus purely on domestic football and start to rebuild my career at West Ham United. I wish Cameroon all the best and the team will always be in my heart.”
    “Since the World Cup in the summer and my subsequent exclusion from the Cameroon squad for the African Cup of Nations I have taken the decision to retire from international football,” Song said.
    He also goes further to confirm that there have been talks held about recalling him to the team, but to him quitting is the right decision.
    “It is true that there were some discussions of late to include me in the squad for this tournament but I feel after a lot of careful thought and numerous discussions with my family this is the right decision.”
    Alexandre Dimitri Song Bilong, better known as Alex Song has 47 caps with the lions. He first call-up was in 2005. He played the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups. He also played in two AFCONS viz 2008 and 2010. 
    Since the disgraceful World Cup in Brazil, three players (Samuel Eto’o, Achille Webo and Jean II Makoun) have also announced their retirement after they were snubbed by Volker Finke.