Onana returns after overcoming the problems which Song denies even existed

Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has announced his return to international football with the Cameroon national team - but didn't fail to mention the "injustice and manipulation" he had to face since the last time he pulled on an Indomitable Lions shirt.

This comes after he was suspended by the Cameroon Football Federation for "disciplinary reasons" during the 2022 World Cup, leading to his abrupt international retirement. Onana cited his "unwavering love and attachment" to his homeland as the reason for his return but hinted at unhappiness with how things transpired after the World Cup.

"In the world of football, just like in life, defining moments arise, requiring crucial choices. In recent months, I have been confronted with ordeals marked by injustice and manipulation. I answer the call of my nation with an unshakeable certainty, aware that my return is not only to honour my dream, but also to meet the expectation and support of Cameroonians who deserve a national team determined to shine."

Speaking at a press conference in Yaounde last Tuesday, national team coach Rigobert Song denied there had been a problem with Onana. The former Indomitable Lions captain said it was natural that as the best available goalkeeper, he was in the squad.

"There was never a problem with Andre, the door has always been open to him and we are happy he is coming back to join the group."

Onana's return to the national team could potentially see him miss several matches for Manchester United if Cameroon qualifies for the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. Their chances of making the finals are good because they only need a draw against Burundi in the final qualifier to secure their spot in the tournament. It could affect Onana's availability for United during the Afcon period - and that is the reason the club spent $5.7 million to land 25-year-old Turkish international goalie Altay Bayindir from Fenerbahce.

One player who won't be coming back to the national team is Michael Ngadeu. The 53-time Cameroon international wasn't inducted into the 2022 World Cup squad because he criticised president Samuel Eto'o in the past. When Song called him up last week, the experienced defender declined the offer because nobody would tell him why he'd been left out in the past.