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The 26-year-old has decided to put his international career on hiatus to focus on his club career
Turkey-based Ghana midfielder Bernard Mensah has announced a temporary retirement from international service.
The Besiktas ace made the announcement on social media on Sunday, two weeks after being left out of the Black Stars squad for the upcoming 2022 Africa Cup of Nations double qualifying match against Sudan later this month.
He formed the squad for Ghana’s latest set of international assignments – back-to-back friendly matches against Mali and Qatar.
“I have decided to take a break from the national team until further notice. I want to focus on my career for now. Thanks to all Ghanaians for your support,” Mensah posted on Twitter on Sunday.
I have decided to take a break from the national team until further notice. I want to focus on my career for now. Thanks to all Ghanaians for their support. pic.twitter.com/Qa185z510V
– Bernard Mensah (@oliver_mens) November 8, 2020
After a long absence from his Black Stars since 2015, the midfielder returned for friendlies last month.
He saw 45 minutes of action as Ghana succumbed to a disappointing 3-0 loss to continental rivals Mali in the Turkish city of Antalya.
Three days later, he watched from the bench as CK Akonnor’s side bounced back with a great 5-1 win over the Asian champions and 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar.
His supporting role was not his only concern since his first national team appearance in five years, as he tested positive for the coronavirus upon his return to Besiktas, forcing him out of club action for a short period.
The Accra-born was one of seven Ghanaian players who contracted the disease since his time at the national camp, along with Crystal Palace forward Jordan Ayew, Celta Vigo defender Joseph Aidoo, Hoffenheim center-back Kasim Adams Nuhu and the left back of Vitoria Guimaraes Gideon. Mensah.
Mensah made his international debut for Ghana in a friendly match against Togo in 2015, scoring in the game.
The big moment came a month before he secured a signing for Atlético de Madrid from Guimaraes de Portugal.
He has gone on to play in Getafe, Kasimpasa and Kayserispor, from where he joined Besiktas during the recent summer transfer window.
Ghana will host Sudan at Cape Coast on November 12 and travel for the reverse match on November 17. It remains to be seen whether Mensah will overrule his decision if Ghana finally qualifies for the final phase of the tournament in Cameroon.
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