Walter Wilson Nana, AfricaNews reporter in Buea, Cameroon
Rigobert Song Bahanack, the emblematic captain of the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, has announced his retirement from international football. The veteran centre-back - the first African to play in four World Cups and eight African Cup of Nations - said the time was right to call it a day.
"You have to know when to quit when the time comes. I leave this team with pride ... and think I have accomplished a duty,” said the 136-times capped Song, who plays for Turkish first division side Trabzonspor.
During the press conference on Sunday, the former Metz, Lens and Liverpool player had a special word for his "brother in arms" Marc Vivien Foe, who died on Stade Gerland in Lyon, France, playing a Confederations Cup match in June 2003.
Song, 34, had been under fire for recent performances and had to settle for a substitute's role at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, which Cameroon were eliminated after three straight defeats from Japan, Denmark and Holland.
