Former Ghana international Sam Johnson has advised left-back Baba Abdul Rahman to stay away from the Black Stars for the foreseeable future.

The 30-year-old last featured for Ghana during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against the Central African Republic in Kumasi, where he faced jeers from sections of the crowd.

Subsequently, Rahman withdrew from the squad for the 2023 AFCON after being named in the provisional 55-man list by coach Chris Hughton.

Despite this, he has been in stellar form for his Greek club, PAOK, this season, making 10 appearances and scoring three goals. This has led to renewed calls for his return to the national team.

However, speaking to Pan-Africa Football, Sam Johnson urged Rahman to reject these calls and focus on his club career instead.

“If I were him [Baba Rahman], I won’t come because he has suffered a lot from Ghanaians, including some of us,” Johnson said.

“If I were to be him, I don’t care whether I’m playing like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, I won’t come. But that decision is up to him. If I were in his position, I’m done with the national team,” he added.

In a recent interview with BBC Sport Africa, Rahman revealed that he remains on a self-imposed break from international duty, prioritizing his health and club football.

“Fans are asking me all the time to come back to play for Ghana, but I think I need to take care of my health before everything right now,” Rahman told BBC.

“People know about my injury history, and it has really been a difficult few years. I just want to enjoy my club football again, and then I know my international career will take off again too,” he added.