Salomon Kalou Calls It Quits on Ivory Coast

Hertha Berlin’s striker Salomon Kalou has retired from international duties with Ivory Coast to focus on club football.

The former Chelsea man’s decision follows The Elephants’ poor AFCON campaign which saw the team lose to former coach, Renard Hervre’s, Morocco.

A goal scored by France-based second division player, Rachid Alioui, was enough to wreak havoc on Ivory Coast’s attempts to retain the title they won two years ago.

Commenting on what would undoubtedly be a night to forget, Kalou has decided to call it quits with international football.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”I am 31, this is my sixth Africa Cup of Nations. I have been to a final and won another,”[/perfectpullquote]

said the 31-year-old after the 1-0 defeat to Morocco.

“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.”

Kalou, who won the man of the match, was one of few remaining veterans from the Ivory Coast outfit that clutched the title in 2015.

Kalou first got his call-up in 2007 and has gone on to make 89 appearances.

Featured photo: Salomon Kalou retires from international football. (GETTY IMAGES)