Ivory Coast and Hertha Berlin striker Salomon Kalou has retired from international football after their 1:0 loss to Morocco bringing to an end their disastrous campaign at AFCON 2017 which saw the defending champions knocked out of the continental showpiece at the group stages.

The 31 year old former Chelsea man said that it was time for the younger generation to take up the mantle from the older generation and make the country proud.

“I am 31, this is my sixth Africa Cup of Nations. I have been to a final and won another.This time things did not go so well. There are young players like (Franck) Kessie, (Wilfried) Zaha I think they are the future of Ivorian football and I wish them god luck.”

Kalou who made his debut for the elephants in 2007 has 89 cups with the national team and was part of the Ivory Coast AFCON 2015 winning side.