Martin Etonge BBC Sport Online in Yaounde

Cameroon international Raymond Kalla has announced his retirement from the national team.

"This decision will enable me concentrate on my club and small family," he said.

Kalla signed for German division one side Bochum at the start of the season.

He said that his decision to retire from international football was responsible for his absence from Cameroon's post-World Cup training camp.

Old timer

Kalla has had a permanent spot in the national team since 1994.

He featured in three World Cup finals for Cameroon and has over 80 caps.

The central defender was unhappy with their first round exit at the last World Cup finals in Korea and Japan.

"Were it not for administrative problems, we would have played in the semi-finals of that World Cup.

"We had a good team, but the officials spoiled the work atmosphere," Kalla said.

His frustration with the Indomitable Lions' performance in the orient may have provoked his decision to quit.

Kalla's sudden departure will present problems for coach Winfried Schafer, as Cameroon lack a central defender with his wealth of experience.