Sébastian Bassong has spoken out about André Onana’s decision to stay with Manchester United until January 14.
Former Premier League and Cameroon defender Sébastien Bassong tells BBC how he feels about André Onana’s decision to play a game for Manchester United on the eve of Cameroon’s opening CAN match.
“It’s disrespectful on both sides. It’s disrespectful of Manchester United to ask Onana to do such a thing and it’s really low of Onana to even consider it.
It sends a very bad message not only for Cameroon, but also for the respect people will have for the CAN and how they should treat us. If we can’t even respect ourselves, how can we expect others to treat us differently.
As far as I’m concerned, André Onana is shooting himself and us in the foot. If I was in the team, I wouldn’t have any of this. You can’t play a game the day before and think you can just fly off to the continent and play another game.
Just thinking about it drives me crazy. I’m so disappointed. For me, he needs to be taught a lesson. I love André, I always support him, but when things like this happen, the pride of the country and the continent far outweighs that of an individual. As far as I’m concerned, he should stay at home and I’ll be punished for it.”
A compromise has been reached between the Cameroonian and Manchester United staffs, to enable the goalkeeper to play in the Premier League clash between the Red Devils and Spurs. A private jet will be provided for Onana to join his team-mates in Yamoussoukro as soon as possible.
Lodged in Group C, Cameroon kick off their campaign against Guinea on January 15. Onana will miss this match but should be present for the other two against Senegal (January 19) and Gambia (January 23).
Leave a Reply