Seko Fofana announces international retirement from Ivory Coast

Seko Fofana has announced his retirement from international football with Ivory Coast at the age of 31.

The Porto midfielder confirmed his decision in a message to Ivory Coast supporters on Instagram, bringing his international career to an end after 35 appearances for the Elephants.

“Dear Ivorian fans, the time has come for me to turn this page,” Fofana wrote.

“I have had the honour of fighting for my country, and I feel deeply proud and grateful for that.”

Fofana said winning Africa’s biggest international honour with Ivory Coast had fulfilled a childhood dream and would remain a lasting memory for the country’s supporters.

“Winning the biggest titles on the African continent with my country was one of my childhood dreams, and it will remain a memory forever engraved in the minds of millions of Ivorians,” he added.

He also thanked those who had supported him throughout his time with the national team.

“Thank you to my team-mates, the coaching and administrative staff, and to all of you for the strength and support you have given,” said Fofana.

“I will always remain the national team’s number one supporter and I am excited to see this new generation write its own history. We will never be short of talent.”

Fofana has been with Porto since last winter, having joined the Portuguese club from French side Stade Rennais.

Before that move, he played for Fulham, Bastia, Udinese and Lens, as well as having spells in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr and Al-Ettifaq.

His international career included helping Ivory Coast achieve its dream of winning a major African title, a success Fofana described as one of the defining memories of his time representing the country.