Ghana defender Baba Rahman has hinted at a potential return to the Black Stars but insists it will only happen when he’s fully ready.
Rahman, 30, last featured for the national team in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Central African Republic in Kumasi, where he was booed by sections of the crowd.
However, he clarified that his absence isn’t related to that experience, but rather a focus on fitness and health.
"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," the left-back told BBC Sport Africa.
"When I joined PAOK last year, I just thought it was wise to stay away a bit from international football to get my fitness back."
The left-back, who endured 999 days on the sidelines between 2017 and 2020 due to multiple injuries, including two ACL tears, returned for the 2021 AFCON and 2022 World Cup, but both campaigns ended in early exits.
"Fans are asking me all the time to come back to play for Ghana but I think I need to take care of my health before everything right now," Rahman added.
"People know about my injury history and it has really been a difficult few years. I just want to enjoy my club football again and then I know my international career will take off again too."