The PAOK FC left-back has opened up on his decision to opt out of the senior national team of Ghana ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
Black Stars coach Chris Hughton included Abdul Baba Rahman in Ghana's provisional squad list for the 34th edition of the tournament slated to commence later this month.
However, Baba Rahman communicated to the Black Stars technical team to exclude him from the final squad list for the continental showpiece. He has confirmed his decision with a statement on his social media platforms.
Earlier today, Hughton announced Ghana's final 27-man squad list and several players including Arsenal's Thomas Partey, Tariq Lamptey, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Kamaldeen Sulemana and others were omitted due to injuries and footballing reasons.
Baba Rahman made 51 appearances for the Black Stars with a goal to his credit since making his debut in 2014.
Below is Baba Rahman's statement on opting out of Black Stars
Hear me out:
I just wanted to say that the decision to opt out of the AFCON was solely based on footballing reasons and nothing else.
Playing for my country will always be the highest point of my career and every time I have been lucky to wear the shirt I have given my all.
The last few years I have had to battle injuries and recovery times and I feel that it’s best in the interest of my career and that of the team to only play when I don’t have to think about recovery or pain- that way I can always give my best to the team.
The life span of a footballer is very short and sometimes we have to make these tough calls for the general interest of the nation we love the most and that of career to enable longevity.
I would be cheering the team on and pushing them on to try and win us the AFCON we all desire. But as of now let’s all support anyone the manager picks because the most important thing is Ghana which is bigger than any individual.
God bless our home land and make us great and strong
Hear me out:
— baba abdul-rahman (@babarahmangh) January 1, 2024
I just wanted to say that decision to opt out of the AFCON was solely based on footballing reasons and nothing else.
Playing for my country will always be the highest point of my career and everytime I have been lucky to wear the shirt I have given my all.
The… pic.twitter.com/qv3itU5uCF
