Former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder Alex Song retires from international football…
Alex Song has announced his retirement from international football, after rejecting a call-up to the Cameroon squad for the Africa Cup of Nations. The West Ham midfielder made a statement on social media.
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Song, who is currently on loan with the Hammers from Barcelona, has made 47 appearances for his country, having made his debut in 2005. The former Arsenal man played his last game at the 2014 World Cup.
Speaking about the decision, he said: “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.
“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.
“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.”
The 27-year-old’s decision will come as a huge boost to West Ham, who are already set to be without striker Diafra Sakho, who is joining up with the Senegal squad. Song will now be back in the Hammers squad for the weekend’s game with Swansea.
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