Celebrated Harambee Stars midfielder and former captain Victor Wanyama has announced his exit from the national team.Wanyama’s future in the team was a subject of discussion after he was overlooked in the final 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier matches against Egypt and Togo and was further in the opening rounds of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Uganda and Rwanda.The defensive midfielder who has since revitalized his career after joining Montreal Impact from English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspurs in March last year was not considered for the four matches casting doubt over his time in the national team.His time in the team appeared to be over when former coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee announced that the Qatar based Michael Olunga as the new skipper a development that left many questioning over his future. Additionally, the introduction of the Serbia based Richard Odada to the scene was seen as a plot to get his successor in his preferred role.It has been an honor to represent my Country and I think the time has come for me to pass the mantle to the young ones,I’ll always be a of the National Team and their biggest supporter . pic.twitter.com/7jaQ1qA9Lw— Victor Wanyama (@VictorWanyama) September 27, 2021 Wanyama who has been skippering Montreal broke his silence over his omission from the national team by laying bare his exit from the team fourteen years after his debut. “Growing up, it was always my dream to get the chance to represent my country. With a great deal of pride, I can say that i have been fortunate to live my dream.From making my debut against Nigeria to captaining the team at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Egypt-these past 14 years have gone beyond what I ever thought possible. We have shared great moments together and I am proud to have been your captain and leader. But all good things must come to an end eventually; and after long consideration, I have made really difficult decision t retire from international football,” said the midfielder in a communique send to his verified social media pages.18′ @VictorWanyama 😮 What a move from Wanyama in midfield. Belle chance pour Quioto mais son tir est bloqué. #CLBvMTL | 0-0 | #CFMTL pic.twitter.com/JJfzZ9Ifhj— CF Montréal (@clubdefootmtl) September 25, 2021 Wanyama’s decision to call it a day comes at a time when everyone was guessing whether new Stars head coach Engin Firat would recall him for the World Cup back to back qualifiers against Mali next week.The Turkish coach who succeeded Ghost is expected to name his squad to face the West Africans who lead the group with four points, two ahead of Stars who shared spoils against the neighbours.Apart from announcing his departure from the team, the former Celtic midfielder didn’t hide his intentions of offering his leadership skills at Kandanda House but did not specify whether he will be running for office.Wepo thanks Badi for holding his hand at KCBWanyama who will be fondly be remembered for skippering the team to return to the continental stage after almost fifteen years in the cold assured the team of his support going forward.” The time has come to hand over the team to the next generation so that they too can make their mark and help our country reach even greater heights.I hope to return one day to help the federation off the field but until then, I will still be the Stars biggest supporter and I will be cheering you guys on from the sidelines,” added the communique.In 2019, Stars forward Allan Wanga retired from international football after he was axed from the AFCON squad. The forward has since hanged his boots.
