In what could best be described as a sucker punch, Ghana legend Abedi Pele has backed the decision of his two sons to retire temporarily from the Black Stars.

Andre and Jordan called time on their international careers after disagreements with the Ghana FA.

In a separate response to the FA’s request to have them rescind their decision, the Marseille duo have resolved to stick to their decision.

The three-time African Footballer of the Year, who spoke on the matter publicly for the first time poured his disappointment with head coach Kwesi Appiah and insists his children did the right thing.

“No, I am not bothered at their resignation because I have also gone through all those hustles in the past. So I take it to be one of those things,’ Pele told Multi TV.

“This is also an opportunity for them also to take things in their own hands and make their own decisions.

“But like you said occasionally father and mother will chip in a word or two. But for the moment, the children are doing the right thing.

“They are all my friends. Kwesi Appiah is my friend. I played with him.

“For now we’ve (Dad and Mum) not been telling them anything. It’s their decision and we just have to support them.

“Everybody there is a friend. Kwesi Appiah I have played with him. But if you have a friend who has disappointed you, what do you do?

“I mean there is nothing you can do. So we all stand behind our kids.”

The latest comment from the Ghanaian legend is expected to deepen the controversy that has already engulf the decision of the two brothers to quit the national team.