Former Ghana international Sam Johnson has advised left-back Baba Abdul Rahman to stay away from the Black Stars for the foreseeable future.
The 30-year-old last featured for Ghana during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against the Central African Republic in Kumasi, where he faced jeers from sections of the crowd.
Subsequently, Rahman withdrew from the squad for the 2023 AFCON after being named in the provisional 55-man list by coach Chris Hughton.
Despite this, he has been in stellar form for his Greek club, PAOK, this season, making 10 appearances and scoring three goals. This has led to renewed calls for his return to the national team.
However, speaking to Pan-Africa Football, Sam Johnson urged Rahman to reject these calls and focus on his club career instead.
“If I were him [Baba Rahman], I won’t come because he has suffered a lot from Ghanaians, including some of us,” Johnson said.
“If I were to be him, I don’t care whether I’m playing like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, I won’t come. But that decision is up to him. If I were in his position, I’m done with the national team,” he added.
In a recent interview with BBC Sport Africa, Rahman revealed that he remains on a self-imposed break from international duty, prioritizing his health and club football.
“Fans are asking me all the time to come back to play for Ghana, but I think I need to take care of my health before everything right now,” Rahman told BBC.
“People know about my injury history, and it has really been a difficult few years. I just want to enjoy my club football again, and then I know my international career will take off again too,” he added.
Latest Stories
-
‘Ghanaians have no tolerance for bad governance’ – President-elect Mahama jabs NPP
3 minutes -
‘A difficult journey ahead’ – President-elect Mahama vows to rescue Ghana from the abyss
4 minutes -
Channel your anger into rebuilding our nation – Mahama to NDC members vandalising property
6 minutes -
Akufo-Addo’s governance was darkest period in Ghana’s history – President-elect Mahama
14 minutes -
“I will hold the door open” – Vice President-elect assures
16 minutes -
I’ll assemble a gov’t that’ll carry the weight of your hopes and dreams – Mahama
28 minutes -
I’ve agreed with Akufo-Addo on early transition starting on Dec. 11 – Mahama
33 minutes -
Akufo-Addo invites President-Elect Mahama to Jubilee House to commence transition process
51 minutes -
Bawumia’s concession eased tensions nationwide – Mahama
56 minutes -
‘We cannot afford to disappoint Ghanaians’ — Asiedu Nketia on NDC’s post-victory mission
59 minutes -
Akufo-Addo congratulates Mahama on election victory, pledges peaceful transition
1 hour -
Advice for John Dramani Mahama: Strategic priorities for the first 100 days in 2025
1 hour -
Photos: NDC supporters jubilate in Accra
1 hour -
Don’t sign contracts that will burden the Mahama gov’t – Omane Boamah to Akufo-Addo
1 hour -
2024 Election: This is what each presidential candidate got
1 hour