Paintsil hints at 2012 exit

John Paintsil has hinted he could give up international football after the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea next year.

The right-back has been present for Ghana since breaking into the Black Stars at the 2002 Nations Cup.

He has gone to play in two more Nations Cups and two World Cups but reckons it may be time to step aside for other players.

Samuel Inkoom and Daniel Opare, both members of the Under-20 World Cup winning team, are growing in stature in the Black Stars and Paintsil feels they need all the encouragement possible.

But before he walks finally, Paintsil is desperate to win a major trophy.

"We the senior players always talk about this because we have played all our heart, done a good job for the nation but the question always remains what have we achieved", he told Oti Adjei Report, said to debut on TV3 on July 7.

"The Nations Cup is coming up and it's a must win trophy. For me personally I want a trophy. Who knows maybe after the Nations Cup I might decide not to play for the national team again or just give the chance to the young boys who are coming up, so it's high time for us to achieve something, so when we say goodbye to the national team, our names will remain for long."

Paintsil, who turned 30 this June, says he does not see the presence of the younger players in the side as a threat.

"Not at all. These boys are fantastic. They respect, give of their best in training and get along well.

"When I first came to the national team my colleagues were there for me so I have to be there for them.

"Like I first said I might not be able to continue with the national team after 2012. If I want to stay that is fine but for me I have to give the chance to the young boys coming. I came in young, got an opportunity to establish myself and played in every tournament for Ghana so far."