Burkina Faso striker Aristide Bancé retired from international football after a meeting with the West African nation’s president, Roch Marc Christian Kabore.
Bancé posted the announcement on his Facebook page while also thanking President Kabore for his efforts to improve Burkinabe football.
“I also took this opportunity to officially inform him of my intention to end my international career, the end of my adventure with the stallions of Burkina Faso and give him my lucky number 15,” Bancé said.
Bancé leaves the international stage after 16 years in which he won 79 caps for his country and scoring 24 goals for the Stallions (Les Étalons).
Bancé’s last appearance for Burkina Faso was a 2-1 victory against South Sudan in November last year in which he scored both goals in the 2021 AFCON qualifier.
He represented Burkina Faso in four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments in 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2017 with the team’s best finishes being second in 2013 and third in 2017.
The 35-year-old, who has played club football in several countries in Africa, Europe and the Middle East, added that it was a pride for him to don the colors of the national team.
“We had good times and bad times. We celebrated together in two beautiful AFCON achievements, the one in 2013 and 2017. These are moments that will forever remain the best of my life.”
Bancé currently plays for Guinean side Horoya AC, who will compete in this season’s CAF Confederation Cup semifinals against Egypt’s Pyramids.
Bancé said his retirement from international football will allow him to focus on his club football and help Horoya achieve great results.
