Ghanaian defender Baba Rahman has clarified his decision to take a break from the national team, stating that his choice was primarily driven by his injury struggles, rather than the boos he received during his last appearance for the Black Stars.
In May 2024, when asked by head coach Otto Addo why Rahman was not included in the squad, it was suggested that the boos he endured had taken an emotional toll on both the player and his family, influencing his decision to step back from international duty.
However, Rahman emphasized that his break is more about focusing on his fitness than any external factors.
"It's a personal decision to take a break (from Ghana) to concentrate on my fitness because I've not had a great time with injuries," Rahman told BBC Sport Africa. "When I joined PAOK last year, I thought it was wise to stay away from international football for a while to regain my fitness."
Rahman, 30, has faced a difficult injury history, with 999 days spent sidelined between 2017 and 2020 due to multiple injuries, including two ACL tears. Despite making his return for the 2021 AFCON and the 2022 World Cup, both tournaments ended in early exits for Ghana.
"Fans are constantly asking me to return, but I need to focus on my health right now," Rahman added. "People are aware of my injury history, and it has been a challenging few years. I want to enjoy my club football again, and when I’m ready, I know my international career will take off once more."
