<
>

Saloman Kalou quits international football after Ivory Coast exit

Salomon Kalou has retired from international football after Ivory Coast's shock exit from the African Nations Cup.

The defending champions lost 1-0 to Morocco in their final Group C game in Gabon on Tuesday, leaving them with only two points from three matches.

Hertha Berlin striker Kalou, 31, confirmed after the match that it would be his last for his country.

"I have played in one final and I have won another. This time, it didn't go so well," the former Chelsea player told reporters.

"There are youngsters like [Franck] Kessie, [Wilfried] Zaha... I think they're the future of Ivorian football. I wish them good luck."

Kalou, named man of the match for his performance, made his international debut in 2007 and won a total of 89 caps.

He was part of the Ivory Coast side pipped to the ANC title by Zambia in 2012 and played in the team that won the trophy against Ghana two years ago.