Share

Liverpool's Matip planning to skip AFCON 2017

Cape Town - Liverpool centre-back Joel Matip has confirmed that he intends to stay at Anfield when Cameroon kick off their Africa Cup of Nations campaign in January.

Having joined the Reds on a free transfer from Schalke in the off-season, Matip feels he would be best served staying in England in order to focus on his Liverpool career.

Cameroon boss Hugo Broos recently expressed his doubts over the involvement of Matip and his brother, Marvin, in the upcoming African showpiece, and the Reds defender has now confirmed his desire to skip the tournament.

"I would say at the moment I will be concentrating on Liverpool," Matip told the Telegraph. "It is a long time until January so you never know, but that is the idea.

"Last year I had injury problems. The extra games and travelling were going to make it harder for me. I had to listen to my body and it told me that the international week was the right time to have a break.

"I spoke with the Cameroon manager and he was not happy, but I have to do what is right to be 100% and make sure I am not injured again, especially at an important time in my career starting at Liverpool."

Matip has been capped 27 times by his country, scoring one goal in the process.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE