Former Cameroon international Lauren has not ruled out a return to the Indomitable Lions in the future. Cameroon star Lauren Etame Mayer says there is a possibility he may one day represent the Indomitable Lions at international level again.
Lauren retired from international football in June 2002 following that year’s World Cup finals in Japan and South Korea.
The 26-year-old blamed his country’s government and football association officials for Cameroon’s poor showing in the tournament.
Yet the defender has not ruled out returning to play for the Indomitable Lions in the years that come.
« There is always a possibility I will play for Cameroon again, » he told the BBC Sport website.
« After all I am only 26.
« And you never know what is going to happen in the future. »
Yet Lauren, who plays for English Premiership side Arsenal, says he has no plans for an immediate comeback to the international fold.
« At the moment, I’d prefer to concentrate on things here at Arsenal, » he explained.
« I am just coming back from suspension and injury, and I want to get into the Arsenal first team as soon as possible.
« I also want to get back to playing better than I have done in recent matches. »
Lauren played for Cameroon from May 1998 until June 2002.
During that period, he won two Nations Cup finals – in 2000 and 2002 – and an Olympic gold medal in Sydney in 2000.
By Nick Cavell