Arsenal star Lauren has given his strongest indication yet that he will return to action for Cameroon. Lauren retired from international football after the 2002 World Cup, having been critical of Cameroonian football officials after the Indomitable Lions performed poorly in South Korea and Japan.
The 27-year-old was not named in the Cameroon squad for the African Cup of Nations, due to kick off on Saturday, but coach Winfried Schaefer has said he ‘will be back’.
And now the player has strongly hinted he will pull on a green jersey again.
« After the World Cup last summer, I had personal problems and I didn’t want to play any more for the national team, » Lauren told BBC World Service’s The World Today programme.
« It’s a strong decision – it’s not easy to say, ‘ok, I’m going to retire.’
« I’m still thinking about it, and I think in the future I’m going to get back. »
Before his retirement, Lauren had won 25 caps for Cameroon since his debut against Luxembourg in May 1998.
During that time, he won two Nations Cup titles, in 2000 and 2002, as well as an Olympic gold medal at Sydney 2000.
And the Arsenal star added it would be ‘difficult’ to watch Cameroon at the forthcoming finals in Tunisia.
« You’ve got your friends there, you’ve got your team-mates, » he stated.
« We are an example to the young African players, so this is good for them. »
Lauren stressed it was the African love of football that has inspired him to reconsider his retirement.
« There are not so many things to do in Africa, » he said.
« We are poor countries and we have to give them that.
« That’s why I am thinking about getting back to the national team. »
