Former Celtic hero makes international retirement u-turn

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Former Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama has made an international retirement u-turn after making himself available for the Kenyan international team once again.

The 31-year-old is entering the latter stages of his career after spending the vast majority of his career at the top level in the UK.

After starting out in his homeland, before moving to Sweden and Belgium, Wanyama eventually made his way to Celtic Park.

After signing for the Hoops in 2011, the midfield enforcer went on to play 91 times for the club, scoring 13 goals during his two-year stay.

Wanyama created some fantastic memories at Parkhead, including scoring the opening goal against Barcelona in the club’s famous 2-1 victory over the European giants.

His departure from the Bhoys came in 2013 when he moved to Southampton, which ultimately led to a somewhat successful spell in the English Premier League.

The midfielder also went on to feature for several years at Tottenham Hotspur before moving out to the MLS and joining Montreal Impact.

Currently, that is where Wanyama is playing his football. However, his contract with Montreal Impact is set to come to an end on December 31st.

Although his club future may be up in the air, his international future has just been given a new lease of life after announcing his return to playing for Kenya.

In September of last year, Wanyama brought his international career to a close, announcing his retirement after being left out the squad for World Cup qualifiers against Uganda and Rwanda.

However, with former Kenya coach Jacob Mulee no longer in the role, Wanyama has confirmed he is back in contention for selection.

After picking up 64 caps for his nation, the former Celtic man is targeting becoming his country’s most-capped international player. A record which is currently held by Dennis Oliech on 76 caps [Transfermarkt].

Kenyan ministry of sport, Ababu Namwamba was delighted to see Wanyama return to international contention, as he said [The Standard]: “I’m delighted Victor Wanyama has agreed to return fully to Harambee Stars, rescinding his earlier decision to exit the team.

“In our mission to rebuild our football and elevate our national teams, our elite players must be at the heart of this renaissance. Ogada Olunga too is in.”

Wanyama continues Celtic links to this day.

Although Wanyama might have left the club back in 2013, his links to Parkhead continue to this day.

Most recently, the midfielder’s former teammate at Montreal Impact, Alistair Johnston, revealed the part he had to play in the Canadian arriving at the club this January.

On several occasions over the past few years, the former English Premier League midfielder has had nothing but good things to say about the Hoops.

And at times, there have even been suggestions that he would love to return to the East End of Glasgow in the near future.

Although the 31-year-old is out of contract this winter, I am not sure how likely it is we will see him pulling on the green and white Hoops again as a professional.

One return might be unlikely, but at least Wanyama has been able to sort out another, after putting himself back in contention to play for his international side.

I am sure we will soon see him turning out for Kenya once again, as he targets the record number of appearances for his country.

The next step for the ex-Celtic hero is now to find himself a new home at club level in the January transfer window.

In other news, Celtic could be set to benefit as forward talks up ‘world-class’ experience.