The Everton striker retires from international duty after 17 years of career with Cameroon’s national team.

Considered one of the best Cameroonian players in the country’s history, Samuel Eto’o has decided to retire from the national team as confirmed by the player via Twitter on Wednesday.

The Cameroon Football Federation announced on Tuesday that Stephan Mbia would be replacing Eto’o as team’s captain. Before that, Cameroon’s head coach Volker Finke did not include the former Internzaionale striker in the list of players that will be playing the final round of African Cup of Nations qualifiers starting next month.

The former Barcelona striker has had a brilliant career with his country. He is currently the all-time leading scorer for Cameroon with a record of 56 goals in 116 appearances. He played in three World Cups representing the national team and he won two African Cup of Nations wearing the ‘Lions’ shirt in 2000 and 2002. He has also won the African Player of the Year in three occasions: 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2010.

Via Twitter, the player stated the following:

“I inform you through this statement that I have put an end to my international career. Thank you to all of Africa and my fans for their love." SEF(Samuel Eto'o Fils).

Je vous informe par la présente que je mets un terme à ma carrière internationale. merci a toute l'Afrique, à mes fans pour leur amour.SEF

— Samuel Eto'o (@setoo9) August 27, 2014