Cameroonian goalkeeper Andre Onana, sidelined for “indiscipline” from the group stage of the 2022 World Cup, claims to have “always behaved properly” but accepts the decision, he said in a statement on Tuesday.
“I was not allowed to be on the field”, wrote the player, replaced by Devis Epassy before the game with Serbia (3-3 tie), on Monday (28), ensuring that “he always behaved properly” .
“I’ve been putting all my efforts, all my energy with the objective of untying the knots of an ambiguous situation”, he adds, “but I haven’t found the receptivity I expected. (…) However, I always consider and respect the decisions of the people who guarantee the management and supervision of our team.”
The Inter Milan goalkeeper “is sidelined for indiscipline”. “In a group you have to respect the rules, I prefer to preserve the group than the individuals”, commented coach Rigobert Song to the press after the game.
The goalkeeper left Qatar, according to sources close to him. It was not possible to verify if he traveled to Cameroon or Italy, the country where he plays.
Onana ended her message sending all her “heart” to her “colleagues.” Representing Cameroon is an immense privilege. Nation first and forever,” he said.
Epassy, who plays in the Saudi league and had only made five appearances for the national team, started against Serbia. “He showed today that he can be André’s rival”, evaluated Rigobert Song.
At Inter, coach Simone Inzaghi alternated first between Samir Handanovic and Onana, the Slovenian holder in the Italian league and the Cameroonian in the Champions League. Finally, the Indomitable Lion prevailed as a starter since October in both competitions.
chance to come back
In a press conference after the game, coach Rigobert Song had left the goalkeeper’s return open, as long as he respected the rules, with respect and discipline.
“We will see if there is a possibility for him to stay with us or not. It will also depend on him, I asked him to wait. He will have to respect the rules. Respect and discipline are needed. I am in favor of the group. Of course, the goalkeeper position is important and he is an important player, but we are in a difficult tournament and I know what I have to do. That is to make sure that the team has priority over the individuals”, he said.
Onana passed through Barcelona’s base and was also at Ajax. Today, he plays for Inter Milan. He is 26 years old and a year ago he overcame a nine-month suspension for doping. His first games were defending Cameroon and helping to secure the points the team needed to advance in the African Cup of Nations.
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