Sierra Leone and Montreal Impact forward Kei Kamara has announced his immediate retirement from international football.
The 37-year-old took the decision just two days after the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers draw where Sierra Leone was placed in same pool with Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Sao Tome.
He is one of the most capped players with 39 appearances and is remembered for scoring the decisive goal that sent Sierra Leone to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
His last appearance on Leone Stars colours was against Equatorial Guinea on January 20,2022 in their last 2021 Africa Cup of Nations group fixtures.
“Fifteen years ago I decided to wear Green, White and Blue and represent you at the international stage. I never knew what the journey would bring me, but I tell you, I would do it allover again if I had a chance,” said Kamara in a statement.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“Today, I am finally hanging my international jersey to focus on my club career. Now when those international breaks come, I will spend time with my family, but I will always miss the games at Siaka Stevens Stadium.[/perfectpullquote]
“Thank you Sierra Leone for letting your son live a dream- a dream that’s not only mine, but also one of many Salone people, home and abroad. I will continue to serve you in any way that I can. I wish Leone Stars all the best, and I cannot wait to celebrate every step of the way,”he further said.
It is the third time that Kamara has called a halt to his international career after doing the same in October 2015 and November 2019.
In both occasions Kamara had disagreements with the Sierra Leone Football Association that led to disciplinary suspensions from the national team.
Kamara made his debut for Leone Stars in a 2-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea in Malabo in June 2008 and went on to make 39 appearances scoring seven goals.
