AC Milan star Boateng to again play for Ghana

AC Milan midfielder Kevin Prince Boateng has written to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to confirm his availability to play for the Black Stars again after nearly two years of taking temporary leave.

"I write to inform the Ghana Football Association that, after a few consultations, I have decided to change my decision and confirm my availability to play for the Black Stars whenever I am needed," Boateng said in a statement Friday.

The AC Milan midfielder, 24, had announced his retirement from international football in November 2011 after playing 18 months for Ghana, citing frequent injuries.

The last match he played for the national team was in a 2012 African Nations Cup qualifier against Congo Brazzaville in Kumasi, 270 km north of the national capital.

The GFA has welcomed Boateng's decision.

"It is with great pleasure that we welcome your decision to return to action to the national team of Ghana, the Black Stars," said Emmanuel Gyimah, General Secretary of the GFA.

"Your decision to return to action for Ghana will surely re energise the Black Stars for our future challenges. We are confident that you will work hard in the team to ensure the continuous progress of our beloved national team of Ghana, the Black Stars," he said.

Sulley Ali Muntari, who also plays for AC Milan, has also written to the football association to render his sincere apologies to the management, technical team and the entire players of the Black Stars for his bust-up with head coach Kwesi Appiah after he was substituted in the world cup qualifier against Lesotho played in Maseru on June 17.

"I wish to state that this unfortunate incident will not happen again," Muntari said. The GFA has accepted his comeback.

Ghana will play Zambia in Kumasi next month to book a place in FIFA 2014 Brazil World Cup.