Returnee Andre Ayew has admitted it was difficult for him to stay away from the Black Stars for six months. "It was something I missed a lot. I learnt how it is important to play for the country," Ayew exclusively told Joy Sports. The Olympique Marseille ace took a temporary break from international football in February after he was dropped from the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations squad. The 23-year-old failed to meet the reporting time for pre-tournament camping in Abu Dhabi, UAE. He later announced his resignation after claiming he had a strained relationship with some management members. Ayew announced his availability two weeks ago and was named in Kwesi Appiah's 26-man squad for the crucial assignment against Zambia in a final Group D 2014 World Cup qualifier. "What happened has happened. It is passed and now we are going forward to win the game," he said.