Frederic Kanoute retires from international football after Mali exit
Frédéric Kanouté retires... (Photo Credit: ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP/Getty Images)
That’s life. I’m sorry I couldn’t succeed in helping my team go further at the Nations Cup which now marks my retirement,” the striker told the Angolan Angop news agency.
He would be unavailable for any future games for Mali and will focus on his club career with Spanish club, Sevilla.
The 32 year old made his debut for Mali in 2004 and was capped 38 times scoring 23 goals. Before playing for Mali, Kanouté played for France at the under-21 level but was not called up into the French national squad.
At the 2004 African Cup of Nations he was joint top goal scorer for Mali, scoring 4 goals in 4 matches to help the Eagles reach the semifinals. He was named 2007 African Footballer of the Year.
On the club football scene, Kanouté has enjoyed some successes with teams from the top European leagues. Before moving to Sevilla he played for Lyon, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur.
Surely Mali will miss him for his pace, strength and skill that he brings onto the team.
