Cameroon’s Minister of Sports and Physical Education, Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, has made a public appeal to Inter Milan’s President to allow goalkeeper Andre Onana to return to the national team. Onana, who is currently ranked as one of the most decisive players in the UEFA Champions League, has been urged to reconsider his decision to retire from international football after he was excluded from the group for “indiscipline” during the 2022 World Cup.
Background on Andre Onana
Onana, aged 27, has made 34 appearances for Cameroon and was the starting goalkeeper during the African Cup of Nations in January-February 2022, where Cameroon, the host country, finished third. He also started the team’s first match of the 2022 World Cup against Switzerland, which they lost 1-0. However, he was subsequently removed from the group for “indiscipline” after the second group match against Serbia (3-3).
Onana’s Impressive Performances in UEFA Champions League
Despite being sidelined from the national team, Onana’s impressive performances for Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League have not gone unnoticed. He is currently ranked first in UEFA’s list of the most decisive players in the competition. Inter Milan has also advanced to the semi-finals, where they are set to face AC Milan.
Cameroon Appeals to Inter Milan to Release Onana
In a letter addressed to Inter Milan’s President, the Minister of Sports and Physical Education appealed to the club to consider releasing Onana for national duty. The Minister emphasized the goalkeeper’s importance to the national team, referring to him as a “pillar” of the team. The letter also urged Inter Milan to allow Onana to continue representing Cameroon on the global stage, inspiring a new generation of players.
Interest from Other Clubs
Onana’s impressive performances in the Champions League have also drawn the attention of other clubs, including Chelsea. As such, Inter Milan may face difficulties in retaining the goalkeeper. However, the Cameroonian state has intervened in the past when key players have retired from international duty, with Albert Roger Milla and Samuel Eto’o both making a U-turn on their decisions.
Conclusion
The Minister’s appeal to Inter Milan to release Onana for national duty demonstrates the importance of the goalkeeper to Cameroon’s national team. With Onana’s impressive performances in the UEFA Champions League, Cameroon is hoping to benefit from his talent and experience. However, with interest from other clubs, it remains to be seen if Inter Milan will allow Onana to return to international football.