Okafor
Leeds United winger of Nigerian descent Noah Okafor has told Switzerland he will not play international football again while boss Murat Yakin remains in charge.
The 26-year-old was part of the Swiss World Cup squad but played just once – as a late substitute in the round-of-32 win over Algeria. The World Cup call-up came after four goals in his final four games of the season for Leeds.
In March, he ended a 16-month exile from the Switzerland squad after a clear-the-air meeting with Yakin, who he had previously criticised – along with Swiss bosses – for failing to communicate with him while he was not being selected.
Okafor referred to the rift in a subsequent interview, admitting that ‘I know I didn’t do everything right.’
But now he has decided to step away from the international arena.
In a statement on Instagram Okafor said: ‘Dear fans, these lines are the hardest I have written in my career so far. After careful consideration, I have decided to step down from the Swiss national team until further notice”adding,
‘I sincerely wish the team only the best.
I am happy about every success of the team and think that we achieved great things at the World Cup. Many of my teammates are friends, and I will continue to root for them and support them.
‘I am grateful to Switzerland for everything I was able to experience. Playing for this country was and remains something very special. Believe me: Whenever I was on the pitch, I left my heart out there for this jersey. See you soon, Noah.’
The Swiss FA confirmed the news, saying in a statement: ‘Noah personally informed us today that he will no longer be playing for the national team for the time being. We respect his decision and wish him good luck and success with his club.’
