Seko Fofana retires from international football after Cote d’Ivoire’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations triumph

Seko Fofana has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 31, bringing his Cote d’Ivoire career to an end after helping the Elephants win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil.

The midfielder confirmed his decision on Monday in an emotional message to Ivory Coast supporters. His international career concludes with the achievement of one of his childhood dreams: becoming an African champion with his country.

Fofana was one of the notable figures in Cote d’Ivoire’s successful campaign at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. The tournament was held in the country, and the former RC Lens midfielder played an important part in the Elephants’ run to the continental title.

The victory, secured in front of passionate home support, represented the high point of Fofana’s international career. Now playing for Porto, he has decided to close that chapter and address a message directly to the supporters who followed him throughout his time with the national team.

In his statement, Fofana expressed his gratitude to Cote d’Ivoire, his team-mates, the coaching staff and the supporters who accompanied him during his international journey.

He also used the announcement to encourage the younger players who will be expected to take the team forward. Although he will no longer represent the Elephants, Fofana said he would continue to follow the national side with the same passion.

His departure comes after he helped Cote d’Ivoire complete a memorable Africa Cup of Nations campaign in 2023. He leaves international football with the country’s most significant recent achievement on his record and with his final major memory in an Ivory Coast shirt being a continental title.

Fofana’s decision means his story with the Elephants ends as an African champion, a legacy that will remain closely linked to the 2023 triumph and to the supporters who witnessed it on home soil.