Victor Wanyama on claims that fans forced him into early international retirement
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 28.06.26. | 15:16
The midfielder called it a day in 2021, with attempts by influential people- including a Cabinet Secretary- to have him reverse the decision failing to yield fruit
Former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama has weighed in on claims appearing to suggest that criticism from fans was part of the reasons that forced him into early retirement from international football.
The 35-year-old announced his retirement from international football in September 2021, bringing an end to his 14-year service to the national team, Harambee Stars.
Download our Mozzart Sport App for more news
Wanyama made his Harambee Stars debut in 2007 in a friendly match against Nigeria.
The announcement came after a prolonged and unexplained absence from the national team, with his last appearance tracing back to November 2020 when the team suffered a 1-0 loss to Comoros in a 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.
Wanyama faced criticism from a section of fans in his latter years with the national team, especially after becoming captain with fans questioning the unconvincing performance of Harambee Stars.
In an exclusive interview with Mozzart Sport, he has refuted claims that he ditched international football due to pressure from the fans.
“Fans to tell me to retire? That is a big joke. It was just time. I had a few injuries and so I just thought that it was time for me to focus on club football and limit myself from a lot of travelling,” said Wanyama.
The former Tottenham Hotspurs midfielder, who was speaking to the media after an exhibition match between Friends of Victor Wanyama and McDonald Mariga versus Friends of Kizza.
The contest was staged at the Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday ,27.
After the game, the former AFC Leopards man also revealed that it is that same injury that forced him to hang his boots altogether.
“With my sober mind, I do not think fans can tell me to retire then I go ahead and do that. I think it was for my best interest and well being. I had a nudging knee injury which eventually led me to retire from football altogether,” he added.
Since his retirement, Wanyama has ventured into studies where he is currently undertaking his coaching badges.
Currently, he is taking UEFA A Coaching Licence from the Irish Football Association (IFA).