Manchester United goalkeeper, Andre Onana has hit back at criticism after missing Cameroon’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, opener against Guinea this week.
Onana suggested that he is used to criticism, adding that critics should continue to criticize him.
He insisted he is prioritising playing for Cameroon despite missing the start of their AFCON campaign against Guinea.
Recall that Onana watched Cameroon’s 1-1 with Guinea in their Group C opener on Monday from the sidelines after linking up late with his national team.
The former Inter Milan keeper played in Man United’s Premier League 2-2 draw with Tottenham at Old Trafford on Sunday before he boarded a private jet later that evening to Ivory Coast.
Onana had faced heavy criticism for opting to remain with Man United instead of linking up earlier with the Cameroon squad.
Reports had claimed that Onana was upset with Cameroon coach’s decision not to include him in the squad against Guinea.
“I have a lot to say but I won’t say it here because we are in competition,” Onana said after Cameroon’s draw with Guinea.
“The most important thing is sacred union. We are here to win. I ask the supporters to support us in good times and bad.
“I’m one of the leaders so I take my responsibilities and that’s why I’m here. I don’t want people to criticise the youngest. Let people continue to criticise me, I’m used to it, I do what is good for my country.
“It’s like choosing between my father and my mother, but my country comes first, that’s why I’m here. We’re together.
“I am here to represent my country, my continent. It is a huge honour for me to be here with my country. 40 years ago, our elders did something exceptional here. Coming to represent this beautiful country is the most important thing.
“Concerning my playing time, it is the coach who will decide. We are here to win no matter who is playing. We have very good goalkeepers.”