Former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama has finally broken his silence on his retirement from the national team, and he wants Kenyans to know one thing clearly - the decision was his and his alone.
Speaking to Mozzart Sport, the midfield general dismissed with a wave of the hand any suggestions that public pressure from frustrated fans pushed him to hang up his boots for the national team. According to the man himself, that narrative is nothing but a big joke.
"Fans telling me to retire... that's a big joke," Wanyama said with a tone that suggested he found the whole idea quite amusing.
He went on to explain that anyone who knows him well understands that he doesn't make such weighty decisions based on what people are saying on social media or in the streets.
The former Tottenham Hotspur star opened up about what really led to his decision to step away from international football. According to Wanyama, his body has been sending him signals for a while now, and he felt it was time to listen.
"I think it was just time. I had a few injuries, and I thought it was time for me to also focus on the club," he revealed during the interview.
The big man, who has been a pillar for the national team for many years, admitted that his knee has been giving him trouble, and the constant travel for international duties was taking a toll on his body. He felt that to prolong his club career, he needed to make a tough choice.
"With my sober mind, I don't think fans can tell me to retire, and then I just go on and do that," Wanyama stated firmly. He emphasized that his decision came from a place of clear thinking and self-awareness, not from outside pressure.
The former Harambee Stars skipper further explained that his knee injury was a major factor in his retirement from both international and club football. He revealed that the persistent problem was bothering him significantly, and he had to prioritize his health.
"I think it was in my best interest for my well-being because I had a knee injury and it was bothering me, and that's why I also retired from football. So I had to take care of myself," he added.
For many Kenyan football fans, Wanyama's departure from the national team marked the end of an era. He was the captain who led the team with distinction, and his presence on the pitch gave opponents something to think about. His physical presence and ability to break up play made him one of Africa's finest midfielders during his prime.
Wanyama's explanation paints a picture of a player who, despite his love for the country and the national team, realized that his body could no longer handle the demands of both club and international football. It's a decision that many athletes face as they advance in their careers when to step back and preserve what remains of their playing days.
The veteran midfielder, who has played for some of Europe's biggest clubs including Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur, is currently focusing on his club career. His decision, as he puts it, was about self-preservation and ensuring he can continue doing what he loves at the club level.
Kenyans will no doubt miss seeing their captain in the red and white jersey, but they can take comfort in knowing that the decision came from a place of wisdom and self-care. As Wanyama said himself, he made the choice with a sober mind, and that's something every football fan can respect.
The former skipper leaves behind a legacy that will be hard to match, and his contributions to Kenyan football will be remembered for years to come. He wore the armband with pride, and he represented the country with dignity on the international stage.
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