Guy Demel retires from Ivory Coast duty

West Ham United defender Guy Demel is understood to have announced his retirement from international football with the Ivory Coast.

Demel has decided to hang up his boots for his country to concentrate on his club career with West Ham.

This news will come as a welcome boost for manager Sam Allardyce as he was set to lose Demel for the Ivory Coast’s African Nations Cup campaign in January.

Demel was a part of the Ivory Coast squad which included Didier Drogba that reached the 2006 and 2010 World Cup finals and he also helped them qualify for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

After signing for West Ham injury prevented Demel from playing a full 90 minutes for The Hammers’ for 9 months which came in the play off final against Blackpool.

The fullback signed a two-year-deal with West Ham when he joined from German club Hamburger, the deal expires next summer but West Ham have the option for a further 12 months which Demel may have his eye on.

Iron Bobby – West Ham United Blog