Abedi says no to Black Stars

GHANA (goalnetwork) -- Former Ghana skipper Abedi Pele Ayew has refused to come out of retirement and help the Black Stars in their World Cup 2002 qualifying campaign.

Abedi, who retired from international football in 1998, and Anthony Yeboah have been approached by the Ghana FA to rejoin the Black Stars following the side?s dismal performance at the last African Nations Cup finals and the World Cup qualifying clash against Tanzania last month.

Abedi said: "I will not play for the national team again. I am enjoying my retirement and other engagements. I have other things to concentrate on, after my long playing career."

The GFA, however, has not ruled out the possibility of Abedi making a comeback on July 8 for the World Cup qualifying match against Sierra Leone in Freetown. Government officials are expected to meet the three times African Player of the Year at his Accra mansion this weekend to persuade him to rejoin the squad.

But the former Marseille and Torino star is, in fact, upset by the GFA?s approach to bring him out of retirement. Abedi said the GFA is welcome to hold talks with him, but writing a letter of invitation to report to the squad?s training camp was not the proper way.

Hamburg striker, Yeboah, has yet to confirm whether he will play his first match for the Black Stars for three years.