I came back to play for Cameroon out of love – Gaetan Bong

by Graeme Jackson

Wednesday Dec 05, 2018. 09:00

Gaetan Bong says his return for Cameroon was inspired by a love for his country.

A love for his nation inspired Brighton & Hove Albion defender Gaetan Bong to return to Cameroon’s national team after a four-year absence.

The 30-year-old has recently returned to the Indomitable Lions’ set up under new manager Clarence Seedorf, appearing in their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Comoros in September and Morocco last month, as well an international friendly against Brazil in London.

Prior to those games, his last showing for Cameroon was a friendly against Paraguay ahead of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

“I wasn’t going for three or four years because I know how it can be tough sometimes in my country,” Bong told BBC Sport.

“But finally I made the decision to come back because I know I love my country and I know I can help.

“The thing I love with our nation is that we always give love, we give everything, we enjoy life even with nothing. I miss this feeling, I miss this love.”

Bong added that Cameroon needs to ensure that they fully tap into the talent available to them. He cited the example of Kylian Mbappe, France’s forward of Cameroonian descent who was a key figure in their 2018 World Cup triumph.

“Mbappe played for France but he is from Cameroon. In future we want the young talent to go and play for their African countries because we made them,” added the Brighton defender.