Former Black Stars midfielder, Derek Boateng, has charged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to seek Felix Afena-Gyan in Italy and speak to him if they care about his career.

The youngster has been the subject of attention in the recent international break after turning down a late call-up to the U23 team for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Algeria.

Cremonese was reported to have been notified of the invitation to the player but the representatives of the player turned it down according to the head coach of the Black Meteors, Ibrahim Tanko.

The reports have drawn attention to the youngster but Boateng, who also played for the junior ranks of the national team before the senior national team debut, has charged the GFA to go to Italy and hold talks with the player.

"If the FA thinks about him and his mental issues, they have to take a plane there and talk to him so that he feels important,” he said.

“This under-23 AFCON that they want to go, they will need him if they want to win. They have to call him not on phone but by going to see him in person. He needs to feel that we care about him because these are the things we do that make us lose players.”

The Black Meteors after qualifying to the AFCON will hope to have the players available for the tournament as they chance a spot at the 2024 Olympic Games.