Solomon Kalou has called time on his international career following Ivory Coast shock exit from the 2017 Africa cup of Nations tournament in Gabon.
The former Chelsea ace reckons it is time for the older generation to make way for the younger ones.
The Elephants were seeking to successfully defend their title but they have been bundled out of the competition at the group stage without a win, claiming two points from a possible nine.
Ivory Coast drew with Togo and DR Congo before losing to former coach Herve Renard’s Morocco in their final match.
“I am 31, this is my sixth Africa Cup of Nations. I have been to a final and won another,” said the 31-year-old after a 1-0 defeat to Morocco in Oyem condemned the Elephants to a group-stage exit.
“This time things did not go so well. There are young players like (Franck) Kessie, (Wilfried) Zaha… I think they are the future of Ivorian football and I wish them god luck.”
Kalou made his debut for the senior national team in 2007. He has been capped 98 times and has scored 28 goals.
The Hertha Berlin can also boast of representing Ivory Coast at two World cup finals as well as playing an influential role to ending their long wait for the Africa cup of Nations title in 2015.
He is the second player to announce his retirment from international football after Zimbabwe captain Willard Katsande.
