Ex-Tottenham and West Ham striker Kanoute calls time on his Mali career

Former Tottenham and West Ham striker Fredi Kanoute has retired from international football following Mali's exit from the African Nations Cup on Monday.The Sevilla forward, who scored 23 goals in 38 appearances since his debut in 2004, confirmed his decision after Mali beat Malawi 3-1 - a victory that was meaningless as the Eagles bowed out of the competition. Final fling: Mali's Frederic Kanoute (left) trots off after scoring against MalawiFREDDIE KANOUTE FACTS AND FIGURESWest Ham (2000-2003): 33 goals/92 appsSpurs (2003-05): 21 goals/73 apps'That's life,' said Kanoute. 'I'm sorry I couldn't succeed in helping my team go further at the Nations Cup, which now marks my retirement.'The 32-year-old scored twice in Angola - in the 4-4 draw against the hosts in the opening game and in the win over the Flames - and was already back in Spain with his club late last night.The French-born forward, who resumed training with Sevilla today, continued: 'I can't find the words to describe how upset I am, it really hurts me. After we were knocked out in 2008 we really wanted to do well here. Popular: Tottenham and West Ham likes liked Freddie Kanoute'For my last appearance in this competition I wanted to go as far as possible. We will now take stock of our team,' the 2007 African Footballer of the Year added. Mali 3 Malawi 1: Freddie Kanoute strikes but Mali exit competitionVIDEO SPECIAL: Perfect ten - Villa and Blackburn followed where Spurs, Real Madrid, Newcastle, QPR and Derby went years agoMan United eye £25m Chiellini but agent is also talking to City and SpursAndy Gray: Everton can pip them all to the last Champions League spotTOTTENHAM HOTSPUR FC

Source: Daily_Mail