Song quits international stage

01 August 2010 18:30

Cameroon legend Rigobert Song has confirmed his retirement from international football.

Song is Cameroon's most capped player and the emblematic former captain made 137 appearances for the Indomitable Lions since making his debut in 1993.

He has appeared in four World Cups and eight African Nations Cup tournaments - including a record five as captain - but at the age of 34 has decided to hand over the mantle to younger players.

"Men pass, the country remains," Song said at a specially-convened press conference.

"You have to quit things when you have to.

"I leave this team with pride and I think I have accomplished a duty."

Song had seen his influence dwindle in the Cameroon team and made only one appearance at the World Cup in South Africa, coming on as a substitute in their final match.

The former Metz, Liverpool, West Ham and Lens defender is the youngest player to have been sent off at the World Cup - accomplishing the feat aged 17 in 1994 - and, alongside Zinedine Zidane, is the only player to have been sent off in two World Cups.

Song currently plies his trade in Turkey after joining Galatasaray in 2004 and Trabzonspor four years later.

Source: PA