StanSP Posted 12 April 2010 Posted 12 April 2010 http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/8616196.stm The decision comes three months after the gun attack on the Togo team bus during this year's Africa Cup of Nations, in which three people died. A statement from the 26-year-old said: "Following those tragic events... I have made the very difficult decision to retire from international football. "I am still haunted by the events I witnessed on that horrible afternoon." He added: "I have weighed up my feelings in the weeks and months since the attack. "We were just footballers going to play a football match and represent our country, yet we were attacked by people who wanted to kill us all. "It is a moment I will never forget and one I never want to experience again. "For nine years I have played for the Togo team and, despite the events in Angola, I have some very good memories of my international career. "I feel very proud to have been trusted with the position of captain of the Togolese football team. Leading your country in international competition is the ultimate honour for any player. "The people who were on that coach together will forever be joined by a special bond - we are all brothers. "I will always have the team and the people of Togo close to my heart and wish them every success in the challenges that they will face in the future." The Togo team were attacked by gunmen as they made their way from a training camp in the Republic of Congo to in Cabinda City, Angola on 8 January. Two Togolese officials and an Angolan bus driver were killed in the attack which prompted the Togolese government to pull their country out of the event. That intervention led to Togo being handed a four-year ban from competing in the competition, a sanction over which they are currently embroiled in an appeal process. The attack inevitably overshadowed the start of the Cup of Nations - a showpiece event for both Angola, recovering from years of war, and African football ahead of the World Cup in June, which the continent is hosting for the first time.
dandannieldanok Posted 12 April 2010 Posted 12 April 2010 Don't blame him, although he'll come under fire (no pun intended) from people who'll say he's deserting the team when they need their captain the most.
Darkzzz_ Posted 12 April 2010 Posted 12 April 2010 Yeah totally understand his decision and fair play to the bloke.
Edmund Posted 12 April 2010 Posted 12 April 2010 You can't fault him for his decision, seeing his friends gunned down in front of him and having bullets fired intending to kill him would haunt him and that team forever.
Tony Pine Posted 12 April 2010 Posted 12 April 2010 i think he should at least give it a shot they haven't played since it happened have they? he might feel different.
Nick Posted 12 April 2010 Posted 12 April 2010 i think he should at least give it a shot they haven't played since it happened have they? he might feel different. He's 26 - plenty of time to backtrack and it makes him a far more appealing player in the transfer market. Cynical - yes i am - why release the statement now? New contract beckons methinks...... sorry. Yours sincerely, Truthful heartless bastard.
lildave3 Posted 12 April 2010 Posted 12 April 2010 i think he should at least give it a shot they haven't played since it happened have they? he might feel different. Brilliant choice of phrase.
Webbo Posted 12 April 2010 Posted 12 April 2010 i think he should at least give it a shot they haven't played since it happened have they? he might feel different. Under the circumstances an unfortunate choice of words.Unless it was a deliberate pun.
Guest Bilo Posted 12 April 2010 Posted 12 April 2010 If I were in his position, I'm not sure I'd want to carry on playing for my country. Seeing your team-mates being murdered in front of your eyes would play on your mind every time you turned up to the training camp. Sad for the man but criticising him for making this decision is rather cheap and ignorant.
ozleicester Posted 12 April 2010 Posted 12 April 2010 Disapointed, His country is embroiled in turmoil, his fellow country people need something to enjoy and that could be football. Fully understand that his situation is a troubllng one, but im dispointed for the fans. Can only hope after a time away he can see how he can help, and return. Understand his decision.
sg6 Posted 13 April 2010 Posted 13 April 2010 Completely agree with the decision he's made, people say he should continue and set an example as a captain, but i certainly would do the same thing if in his position!
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