Ghana forward Joseph Paintsil has clarified the reason behind his absence from the final squad selected by new Black Stars coach Otto Addo for the upcoming matches against Uganda and Nigeria.
Addo, who has returned to lead the team following Chris Hughton’s dismissal due to his disappointing performance in the 2023 AFCON, left Paintsil out of the squad despite his impressive showing in the previous tournament.
Speculations arose suggesting that Paintsil’s past criticism of Addo during his first tenure with the team, where he was dropped from the World Cup squad, played a role in his exclusion.
However, Paintsil took to social media to explain that his recent move to the Los Angeles Galaxy in the MLS is the reason for his absence, as he is currently undergoing immigration procedures before being able to leave the United States.
He clarified that before leaving the country, he must finish some immigration documentation requirements. Here’s what he shared on social media.
As a result of my very recent move to a new club in the United States, there are some further immigration documentation procedures I have to go through, which is why I am unable to travel outside the United States until the process is completed.
For this reason, I am unable join the squad for the upcoming friendly games. I have duly communicated the reasons for my absence from the national team to management.
I wish the new head coach Otto Addo, my colleagues and the entire team the best in this upcoming hurdle. Ghana holds a special place in my heart, and I am always ready to defend and represent the country.
Joseph Paintsi and Otto Addo had a confrontation following the player’s criticism of the coach for leaving him out of Ghana’s 2022 World Cup squad without providing a clear explanation for the decision.
Paintsi was not included in the 55-man provisional squad or the final squad for the tournament held in Qatar.
In an interview, the former Tema Youth winger disclosed that Otto Addo, who was also a talent coach at Borussia Dortmund, did not offer a valid justification for his omission.
“He [Otto Addo] gave me no valid reason to explain my absence,” the Ghana international told Belang van Limburg.
“I told him the same thing during a phone conversation. He told me that there were players ahead of me in the hierarchy.
“Among them, there were guys who, like me, play in the Jupiler Pro League. They didn’t have couldn’t present the same stats, but Addo said football isn’t all about goals and assists,” he added.
