Former Chelsea star Salomon Kalou retires from international duty after AFCON elimination
Cote d’Ivoire’s Hertha Berlin forward Salomon Kalou has announced his retirement from international duty following The Elephants loss to Morocco on Tuesday that bundled them out of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.
Cote d’Ivoire, the AFCON defending champions, were eliminated without winning a single game in Gabon after previously drawing against DR Congo and Togo.
From Group C, The Democratic Republic of Congo and Morocco are the teams that progressed into the quarter final stage.
Kalou, wjile announcing his retirement, said it is now time for Cote d’Ivoire’s next generation to make their make in the international stage.
“I am 31, this is my sixth Africa Cup of Nations. I have been to a final and won another,” the former Chelsea player said.
“This time things did not go so well. There are young players like (Franck) Kessie, (Wilfried) Zaha. I think they are the future of Ivorian football and I wish them good luck,” he added.
Kalou made his debut for the Elephants 10 years ago and has 89 caps.
