Head coach of the Black Stars, Otto Addo says he is mystified as to why Fiorentina and Ghana midfielder Alfred Duncan has chosen to retire prematurely from the Black Stars.

The 29 year old midfielder announced his retirement from International football over the weekend over claims that he has been humiliated, discriminated against for many years by the handlers of the national team.

Coach Otto Addo in an interaction with the press before Wednesday's AFCON 2023 opener against Madagascar expressed his shock as to Duncan's retirement.

He also added hat the Fiorentina midfielder rejected a call up to the Black Stars in February this year.

“Last time I called was February. I wanted to invite him. He told me reason why he didn't want to come. It's hard for me to understand. He has opportunity to join a team going to World Cup but he has his reasons. I have to accept it,”Addo said.

The Fiorentina midfielder has been in fine form for his club but has consistently been overlooked by subsequent Black Stars coaches.

He cites instances where he was left out of the Black Stars set up and offered very little playing time.

Duncan despite his splendid form for Fiorentina was overlooked for the 2021 AFCON tournament and was also snubbed for the forthcoming 2023 AFCON qualifiers whiles inactive Mubarak Wakaso was handed a call up.

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