Ghanaian teenager Felix Afena Gyan has revealed the reasons he turned down an invitation for the Black Stars for the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia and South Africa.
The 18-year-old received his first call-up by coach Milovan Rajevac to play in the crucial match, but he was unable to show up for the game.
According to his handlers, the Ghanaian midfielder isn’t prepared for national football and should concentrate on developing in the hands of José Mourinho at club level.
In an interview with journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, the striker states that he did not feel that the time would be right for him to wear the national jersey.
“I felt it was too early for me to answer the call from the national team because I need to grow, physically but also mentally and psychologically” Afena-Gyan revealed.
“I also thought it was important for me to stay in Trigoria to accumulate training under [Jose] Mourinho’s orders, to continue improving and growing.
The Ghanaian also added that despite not responding to the call-up, he hopes to be a part of the team in the coming years.
I have a lot of respect for my national team and I hope to be part of it in the future. The coach asked me if I would go, and I told him I didn’t feel ready yet. But it was my decision. I thought it was premature for me to take such a step,” he concluded.
Ghana went ahead to draw against Ethiopia in the final game before beating Bafana Bafana by1-0 at the Cape Coat sports stadium.
Source: Kingaziz.com