Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana responded to criticism after missing Cameroon’s AFCON opener.
Despite missing the start of Cameroon’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign this week, Manchester United custodian Andre Onana maintains he is more focused on playing for the country.
Cameroon drew 1-1 with Guinea in their Group C opener on Tuesday, as Onana watched from the bench after joining up late with his national team.
Onana played in United’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham at Old Trafford on Sunday before he boarded a private plane later that evening which was travelling to the Ivory Coast.
However, Onana’s jet was forced to land in Abidjan due to fog in Yamoussoukro, where Cameroon’s AFCON opening was staged, leaving the United custodian stranded 150 miles away.
Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana responded to criticism after missing Cameroon’s AFCON opener.
Onana arrived at the stadium before kickoff, but Cameroon head coach Rigobert Song left him altogether out of the squad.
According to reports, Onana was dissatisfied with the choice, and the United custodian has come under fire for staying with Erik ten Hag’s team rather than joining the Cameroon camp early.
‘I have a lot to say, but I won’t say it here because we’re competing,’ Onana said following Cameroon’s draw against Guinea.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1746928795880177797
The most crucial thing is sacred unity. We came here to win. I ask our supporters to be there for us in good times and bad.
‘As a leader, I accept my obligations, which is why I’m here. I do not want people to criticise the youngest. Let people continue to condemn me; I am used to it; I do what is best for my country.
‘It’s like choosing between my father and my mother, but my nation comes first, which is why I came here. We’re together.
I’m here to represent my country and continent. It is an incredible honour for me to be here alongside my country. Our elders did something special here 40 years ago. The most essential thing is that you come to represent this great country.
‘The coach will decide on my playing time. We are here to win, regardless of who is playing. We have excellent goalkeepers.’
When challenged about his choice to leave Onana out of his team’s AFCON opener against Guinea, Song replied: “No, Andre, we all knew that [he wouldn’t play]. We have to keep to our logic.
‘He came at 4 a.m.; how can you expect him to play at 5 p.m.?
‘He’s a member of the group; he joined us at 4 a.m., therefore he’s in the squad.
‘There’s the rest of the competition, and I’m staying with my entire group.’
