Cameroon and Manchester United goalkeeper, Andre Onana has admitted a lot happened between him and the president of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), Samuel Eto’o Fils.
Because of his early training at the Samuel Eto’o Academy in Douala, the relationship between Onana and the former captain of Cameroon was once perceived as father-son bond but soured especially with the controversy surrounding the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
During the competition and allegedly at Eto’o’s request, then Cameroon head coach, Rigobert Song dropped Onana from the Cameroon squad citing indiscipline but the former Ajax goalkeeper gave to the understanding the truth was far from public reach.
Following the row with the coach, Onana retired from Cameroon national team before making a u-turn 10 months later in September 2023.
In an interview with Canal+, Onana speaks about his struggles and ambitions. Below is part of the interview as translated into English by blogger Ade Divine.
Canal+: “What are these tensions between you and FECAFOOT President Samuel Eto’o? What’s happening? Are they serious issues?”
Onana: “Honestly, a lot has happened, but it’s all behind us now. The most important thing for me is the victory of my country because the country is supreme to all…For me it’s behind.”
Canal+: You are from the Samuel Eto’o Foundation. Eto’o was somewhat your father in football…At times to grow in image you need a father…Is opposing your football father not a way of affirming yourself?
Onana: “No, I’m a goalkeeper; he’s a striker. He has had his time, I’m having mine. Football is generational and everything has an end. A while ago, I was telling you about Simon Ngapandouetnbu…In the national team, I see him train with me and I say I have to think about my retirement. He does things so well that I say ‘wow I’m not eternal’. It’s the cycle of life. You’re good, you have your time and you pass. Everything is temporary. You do what you have to do and you allow the others do theirs.”
Canal+: Are you extending a message of peace?
Onana: “I’m not in war (laughs)… A lot is said on social media…The problem with me is that I don’t speak. And when you don’t speak, others have to speak for you because you have to be talked about when you reach a certain level. Andre Onana is quiet and focused on Manchester United. We are in difficulty, that’s my priority and above all the victory of my country. We have an AFCON (Africa Cup of Nations) coming, we have a World Cup to qualify for. For some it will be the exit door. Maybe for Mike, for Abou or myself. We are approaching the end. We have to do things well so that someday we can look back and be happy we at least played a World Cup and did something for our country.”
Some fans on social media have praised Onana’s wisdom in approaching the questions. However, others believe he circled around the questions and never gave concrete answers, implying that all is not well between the master and his former student.
