“Why I Quit Cape Verde Team Suddenly Before Nigeria Clash” — Ricardo Gomes

Cape Verde forward Ricardo Gomes has explained the reason behind his decision to quit the team ahead of Tuesday’s 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying game against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

The Cape Verde Football Federation announced on Sunday that the FK Partizan of Serbia striker decided to leave the team’s camp in Tubarões Azuis after claiming to be injured.

“It is public knowledge at the moment I am playing for Partizan FK club that participates in the Serbian championship. So, for those who know, the trips from Serbia to Cape Verde or another African country where our team plays have a long duration with the effects acquaintances from long journeys,”Gomes said in a statement.

“However, during these years I have always honored the calls, even in situations where professionally it would be advisable to refuse or
temporarily abdicate our selection, placing our selection above my
personal and professional ambitions and the ambitions of the clubs that for all intents and purposes are the
responsible and biggest investors in my professional career, all in compliance with the dream of participating and helping our country (by the way, a dream I’ve had since I know myself as people.

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“However, today after the collective training for the match against the national team Nigeria, it was clear that my help at the moment is expendable, as despite the long trip made from Serbia it was clear that for the technical team I do not count for the first one, nor for second team.

” It should be noted that in the aforementioned training, two teams were made. I was left out of two. Well, considering my age and as well as everyone constraints with traveling to represent our team, I understand that not doing part of the choice of the technical team of our team does not make sense to continue to be part of the our selection, and my vacancy may well be filled by a young player, who is currently starting his football career. I don’t want to blame anyone for my decision, much less the staff who are part of the technical team and the FCF.

“Just a statement and a decision taken with calm and thoughtfulness, listening to the people who helped me the most during my football career. A player’s life that’s what football is all about, you have to know how to position yourself consciously and thoughtfully before the decisions that surpass us.

“Therefore, I communicate my decision to withdraw immediately from our selection, giving way to those who are waiting
for an opportunity, saying that I have never felt and will never feel greater pride than represent our country.

” I wish our team luck, and that we’re all cheering for our selection in the next World Cup. Thank you all very much.”