Joel Matip has confirmed that he opted out of the AFCON after being called up by Cameroon, in order to focus on Liverpool push for the title

The 25-year-old was reported to be considering ending his self-imposed international exile at the African Cup of Nations this year after holding talks with Cameroon manager Hugo Broos. Matip has not played for the Cameroon national team since 2015, and has now confirmed that he turned down a call-up to focus on Liverpool :

“It’s not an easy decision but I want to concentrate on Liverpool. I want to be [here],” he said, according to the club’s official website.

“I want to focus on Liverpool and that’s what I had to decide. I think I took the right decision.”

Jurgen Klopp was understandably happy about the decision, saying he had already discussed the matter with Matip weeks ago :

“We actually had this talk a few weeks ago already, so I was not surprised [by the news].” he told the club’s official website Of course, I am happy about this, there is no doubt, but the players make these decisions by themselves – there is nothing the club can do.”

Matip has been imperious at the heart of the Reds’ defence this season, and was hugely missed as Liverpool collapsed against Bournemouth to squander a 3-1 lead and lose 4-3.

Matip’s continued presence in the side will be a huge boost for Liverpool, as they look to keep up their assault on the Premier League title.