Kanoute ends Mali career

(GSM) – Sevilla striker Frederic Kanoute has decided to call it a day on his international career. Following Mali’s exit from the African Nations Cup, Kanoute announced his international retirement.

Kanoute scored 23 goals in 38 appearances since his Mali debut in 2004. He confirmed his decision was final after Mali beat Malawi 3-1. However, Mali’s victory was meaningless as the Eagles crashed out of the competition.

“That’s life,” he told the Angolan Angop news agency. “I’m sorry I couldn’t succeed in helping my team go further at the Nations Cup, which now marks my retirement.”

Kanoute continued, “I can’t find the words to describe how upset I am, it really hurts me. After we were knocked out in 2008 we really wanted to do well here.

“For my last appearance in this competition I wanted to go as far as possible. We will now take stock of our team,” the 2007 African Footballer of the Year added.