The Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has revealed that five different attempts were made to convince Mohammed Salisu to play for the Black Stars.
Henry Asante Twum said each of the last three coaches of the Black Stars approached the Southampton defender but he turned them down.
Salisu, 22, has refused to avail himself to the senior national team since making his professional career breakthrough at La Liga side Real Valladolid, instead opting to focus on his club career.
He joined Southampton last summer and has been regarded as one of the best defenders in the Premier League this season, making 27 league appearances for the Saint who lie 11th on the standings with nine games to go.
“We’ve made overtures, about four or five times. C.K Akonnor tried, he wasn’t successful, Milovan tried and he wasn’t successful,” Asante Twum told Citi TV.
“Otto tried and he [Salisu] still thinks he needs time.”
Black Stars have qualified for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar following their 1-1 draw against Nigeria at the Moshood Abiola Stadium on Tuesday on the away goals rule.
The draw means Ghana have secured an historic 4th FIFA World Cup tournament having participated in 2006, 2010, and 2014 in Germany.
Ghana join Senegal, Tunisia, Morocco and Cameroon for the global showpiece.