Didier Lamkel Zé, the FC Metz winger currently on loan from Hatayspor, recently shared his sentiments regarding his initial and less-than-satisfactory experience with the Cameroon national football team.
Reflecting on his first and only call-up in 2019, when he was 27 years old under the coaching of Toni Conceição, Lamkel Zé recounted the circumstances surrounding his selection.
“I remember my first selection very well. We (Antwerp) played on a Sunday against Bruges and won 2-1. After that match, I was called to join the Cameroon national team under Conceição,” explained the former Lille player in an interview with DAZN.
Despite reservations from his club, Antwerp, which was concerned about potential injuries, Lamkel Zé expressed his determination to join the national team.
“I replied to the leaders of Antwerp: ‘Listen, I have always dreamed of playing for the national team. It’s my dream, and I’m going to make it come true,'” he added.
However, Lamkel Zé’s expectations were not met during his time with the national team. He expressed disappointment, stating, “I arrived there, and players who didn’t even play for a club were preferred over me.
But what could I do? I shut my mouth, and in my head, I said to myself: ‘Maybe Antwerp was right. Maybe I should have stayed. But my love for my country and for the jersey pushed me to go.'”
While acknowledging that Moumi Ngamaleu, Christian Bassogog, and Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting were chosen over him, Lamkel Zé’s frustration was evident.
It’s worth noting that the colorful personality of the Messin forward often makes his statements ‘half surprising.’ Lamkel Zé received a single call-up in November 2019 and played for a mere 4 minutes against Cape Verde (0-0).
This revelation provides insight into the challenges faced by players dealing with national team selections and underscores the complex decisions they navigate in pursuit of their dreams and commitments to represent their country.
🔴 Didier Zé Lamkel : « Ma première sélection en équipe nationale. On (Royal Antwerp, ndlr) avait joué un dimanche face à Bruges. Je me rappelle très bien et on avait gagné 2-1 et on m’avait appelé pour la première fois avec le Cameroun […] Je suis arrivé et on a mis des… pic.twitter.com/9ElEJ5skOC
— AllezLesLions (@AllezLesLions) February 25, 2024
