Soccer News of Monday, 19 September 2005

Source: JFM

Abedi Pele comeback ruled out

Black Stars coach Ratomir Dujkovic has told a local radion station - JoyFM - that there?s no way back into the senior national team for retired Ghanaian football legend Abedi Ayew Pele.

Pele has consistently been linked with a return to the Black Stars by the media.

But the three times African player of the year, has stated emphatically that he is not interested in a comeback as Ghana prepares to make a maiden world cup appearance in Germany next year.

Dujkovic says Pele was a great player during his playing days but has no such intention of giving the celebrated Ghanaian star a call up.

?I think this rumours came from somewhere without any reason. Everybody knows he is retired and he was an excellent player, one of the best in Africa many years ago playing in Europe.

? He finished his career and I don?t believe he has something like this in his mind", he said.

?He is very famous. I recognize he is a great player but now it is a different story.? Dujkovic said.

Abedi Pele maintains he cannot get in good physical shape for a return to active football, a view that is shared by Dujkovic.

?He would be considered like any other Ghanaian player but dependent on his performance.?