Former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama has explained why he walked away from international football in 2021—just when many felt he still had more to offer.
Victor Wanyama, who hung up his boots from the national team in September 2021 after an illustrious 64-cap career since his debut in 2007, says his decision was all about prioritizing the future of Kenyan football.
“I stepped aside to make room for the younger generation to shine,” he shared with Flashscore.
The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations captain acknowledged that while some critics have linked his retirement to Kenya’s failure to qualify for the last three AFCONs, he believes it’s unfair to pin the blame on him.
“The current squad is more than capable of securing a spot,” he asserted, emphasizing that his exit was a deliberate choice to encourage fresh leadership.
Despite not being part of the squad, Victor Wanyama holds immense faith in current skipper Michael Olunga, calling him an “exceptional captain” and a true leader on and off the field.
As Wanyama now searches for a new club after a five-year spell with CF Montreal, he’s keeping his cards close to his chest, with Europe or the Gulf possibly in his future.
His message to the Kenyan football community is clear: it’s all about building for tomorrow, not holding onto the past.
