West Ham manager Sam Allardyce received a huge boost on Tuesday night when influential midfielder Alex Song announced his international reti...
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce received a huge boost on Tuesday night when influential midfielder Alex Song announced his international retirement, meaning he will be available to play in Barclays Premier League and FA Cup matches for his club this month rather than participating in the African Cup of Nations with Cameroon.
Song, 27, then clarified the situation by announcing on Instagram: 'I have taken the decision to retire from International football.'
The Barcelona midfielder, on loan at Upton Park, was disappointed to be originally left out of the Cameroon squad for the African Cup of Nations even though they then tried to make a u-turn.
'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,' he said.
'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 (international retirement) 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.'
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