20 Nov 2003(Thu)

One minute Patrick Mboma thought his international career was over, the next he was back in business.

This was the unusual scenario after Sunday's J.League game between Tokyo Verdy 1969 and Jubilo Iwata.

Myself and a colleague from another English language newspaper in Tokyo went to talk to Mboma after the game, to get his comments about the match and also about Wednesday's friendly between Japan and Cameroon at Oita.

At that time, Mboma was not in the squad, having been overlooked by Cameroon's German coach, Winnie Schaefer.

Patrick, naturally, was very upset and disappointed, as the Cameroon players are like a family and have an extra special bond after the death of teammate Marc-Vivien Foe at the Confederations Cup in June.

I asked Patrick if he thought his international career was over.

"Probably," he said.

Then Patrick's mobile telephone rang.

It was Schaefer, inviting him to join up with the squad at Oita. Earlier in the conversation, he had said he would not travel to Oita to watch the match. He would stay at home and watch it on TV because it would be too painful to be there but not be a part of the group.

"I want to change my comments!" said Patrick, after finishing his conversation with Schaefer.

"My international career is not finished!" he said, relieved and proud.

Patrick had been with the Cameroon players the previous week at a benefit match for the family of Foe in Lyon, and he thought that might be the final time he would play with them.

It was clear that the players wanted Mboma to be with them in Oita. He said they had spoken to the coach about it, and Schaefer had decided to call him up.

A bit of player power in evidence here, then.

Mboma feels he still has something to offer Cameroon with his experience and also with his play, and his presence will add some spice to Wednesday's occasion.

The Japanese defenders might not agree, though.

ends