Ghana’s midfielder Michael Essien has temporarily put his international career on hold saying he will not play for the Black Stars for some time.
This comes after coach Milovan Rajevac said he would welcome the fit-again Chelsea enforcer for next month’s African Cup of Nations qualifier against Swaziland.
But Essien feels after so many recent injury setbacks, he wants to concentrate on getting back to his best with Chelsea.
The midfielder believes that his absence will not be severe on his country as players like Anthony Annan, Kevin Prince Boateng and Emmanuel Agyemang Badu have excelled in his (Essien’s) absence.
“I think I will be taking a break. Not retiring, just not playing for (the) time (being). I have to take the right decision for myself. I don’t know whether they (Ghana) will be disappointed because they have done fine without me,” said Essien.
Essien missed the World Cup in South Africa in June because of a knee injury, but despite his absence the Black Stars reached the last eight of the tournament.
He suffered the injury while training at the African Cup of Nations in Angola in January and only recently returned to action for Chelsea.
The English side has also recently brought in players who are capable of competing with Essien for his starting place in the squad.
His absence in the Black Stars squad means other young players with hopes of playing the national team could be given the chance to exhibit their skills and potential.
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