Columbus Crew defender Harrison Afful insists the Major League Soccer is not a reserve for players at the twilight of their careers.

The Ghana international moved to the American top-flight after the expiration of his contract with Tunisian side Esperance.

Last year, he played a key role in Crew's qualification to the MLS play-off final where they lost to Portland Timbers.

"Back home in (Ghana), they say that when you come here, you are about to retire your career. When I came here, I saw something completely different," the 30-year-old defender said.

Afful has a goal and three assists for the Crew this season.