Ghana winger Christian Atsu has disclosed that he did nit quit the Black Stars but decided to stay away just to concentrate on his club career.
The winger had struggled to break into the Newcastle United first team last season and felt he had to fight for play time.
According to the 29-year-old, he explained his situation to Black Stars coach C.K Akonnor, who agreed with his decision.
“Coach came to my place in Newcastle United, I spoke with him, we made a decision and this is it,” he told 3 Sports. “So it’s not like I told the national team I was not going to play again, there is nothing like that,” he added.
“It’s the journalist who are trying to bring up stories for Ghanaians to maybe be mad about someone or be crazy, but it doesn’t matter, what’s most important is family.
He continue; “Now, listen, we the footballers, right, it is a great honour for us to play for the national team. The way the journalist portray the image of the Black Stars in the media is very bad and this is not good for the players and also the country.
“So for me I will be honoured. When I’m fit and I am playing and I deserve to be called into the Black Stars, I will be honoured to come and play.”
Atsu, who recently signed for Saudi Arabian side Al Raed has not played for the Black Stars since 2019.