AC Milan midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng has cited his injury problems as the reason for his decision to quit the Ghana national football team.
Boateng announced his retirement from international football earlier in November, just 18 months after making his debut for the Black Stars.
A former Germany U21 international, the 24-year-old played for Ghana in the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa, and won nine caps and scored one goal.
The former Tottenham Hotspur and Portsmouth midfielder has now explained his decision to give up playing for his country and focus on his club career from now on.
"When I was at Borussia Dortmund, I could divide myself (between club and country)," he told Vanity Fair.
"But with AC Milan, between the Italian league, the Champions League and the Coppa Italia, I am no more able to do this.
"My knee has suffered six injuries and six surgeries. It gives me pain on flights due to pressure changes.
"So I have to say goodbye to Ghana because I am keen on my health."