Zambo Anguissa retires from Cameroon duty as Eto’o praises midfielder and critics

Samuel Eto’o has paid tribute to Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa after the Napoli midfielder announced his retirement from international football, while appearing to take an indirect swipe at opponents of his leadership of the Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot).

Zambo Anguissa made the surprise announcement on Monday, just three weeks before the Indomitable Lions were due to return to action. The 30-year-old ends his Cameroon career having won 66 caps and scored five goals.

Eto’o, the former Cameroon striker who is now president of Fecafoot, responded on Tuesday with an emotional message on his official Instagram account. He shared a series of photographs, including one showing him embracing Zambo Anguissa.

The post began with a tribute to the close, almost brotherly relationship between the two men. Eto’o described that bond as unbreakable despite attacks from outside, a remark that appeared to be aimed at those who have criticised him.

He then highlighted Zambo Anguissa’s contribution to the national team, as well as the midfielder’s conduct during his international career. Eto’o portrayed him as an exemplary representative of Cameroon, while his choice of words also appeared to contain several indirect references to other people involved in the disputes surrounding the federation.

It is understood that Eto’o and Zambo Anguissa spoke by telephone on the eve of the midfielder’s retirement announcement. Their conversation seems to have included discussion of a “trophy”, although Eto’o deliberately provided no further explanation in his message.

The Fecafoot president also ended his tribute by seemingly suggesting that Zambo Anguissa could have a future role within the organisation once his playing career is over. The former Olympique de Marseille player was given no specific position, but Eto’o’s wording left the possibility open.

Zambo Anguissa responded positively in the comments section, writing: “Thank you president, it was an honour to wear the colours of our beautiful country.”

That exchange appeared to challenge speculation that a disagreement with Eto’o or Fecafoot may have influenced the player’s decision to retire from international football.

Zambo Anguissa has been a regular member of the Cameroon squad and represented the country during a period in which Eto’o has been a central figure in the administration of the national team. His decision came unexpectedly, with the next international return of the Indomitable Lions only weeks away.

Eto’o’s public tribute combined praise for the midfielder’s service with a clear acknowledgement of the tensions that have surrounded him. It also suggested that, despite Zambo Anguissa’s departure from international football, the relationship between the two men remains strong and that the player could continue to have a place in Cameroon football beyond his time on the pitch.