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
-
Full text: Mahama’s victory speech delivered after declaration by EC Chair
31 minutes -
Abu Jinapor declared winner of Damongo parliamentary poll
57 minutes -
Bagbin congratulates Mahama on decisive election victory
1 hour -
Bawumia urges Mahama to call NDC supporters to order amid post-election tensions
2 hours -
The great elephant has been slaughtered mercilessly – Asiedu Nketia
9 hours -
‘Ghanaians have no tolerance for bad governance’ – President-elect Mahama jabs NPP
10 hours -
‘A difficult journey ahead’ – President-elect Mahama vows to rescue Ghana from the abyss
10 hours -
Akufo-Addo’s governance was darkest period in Ghana’s history – President-elect Mahama
10 hours -
“I’ll hold the door open” – Ghana’s 1st female Vice President-elect assures
10 hours -
I’ll assemble a gov’t that’ll carry the weight of your hopes and dreams – Mahama
10 hours -
Channel your anger into rebuilding our nation – Mahama to NDC members vandalising property
10 hours -
I’ve agreed with Akufo-Addo on early transition starting on Dec. 11 – Mahama
10 hours -
Akufo-Addo invites President-elect Mahama to Jubilee House to commence transition process
11 hours -
Bawumia’s concession eased tensions nationwide – Mahama
11 hours -
‘We cannot afford to disappoint Ghanaians’ — Asiedu Nketia on NDC’s post-victory mission
11 hours