Accra, Sept. 1, GNA – Ex-Black Stars defender, Samuel Osei Kuffour says constant criticism of returnee footballers forced him to backtrack on his decision to play for Kumasi Asante Kotoko before ending his international football career.

Kuffour, an avowed Kotoko fan had declared to end his career with the Porcupine Warriors, but that statement never saw the light of day.

At a press briefing in Accra on Thursday, Kuffour explained that the constant ridiculing of ex-internationals after their playing days abroad killed his appetite for playing in the local league.

Citing his colleague Nii Odartey Lamptey who had a short spell with Asante Kotoko three seasons ago as reference; the 34-year old retired defender said the tags of “old man”, dissuaded him from pursuing his long-cherished dream of playing for the Porcupine Warriors.

“One day, I was at the stadium to watch Odartey play for Kotoko and the fans were insulting him. Others were saying he is an old man. Some said he cannot even run,” Kuffour said.

Kuffour said even Laryea Kingston encountered a similar fate few months ago, when he opted to play for Hearts of Oak after being released by his Scottish club, Heart of Midlothian.

The ex-Black Stars deputy captain said that he did not want his name to be dragged in the mud, hence his decision to abrogate the thought.

“I do not want anybody to insult me, my mum or my children. Therefore, I dropped the idea.”

Kuffour said that in Brazil and other parts of Africa, players are hailed whenever they decide to return home after years of playing abroad.

“Look at Benni McCarthy, he is back in South Africa playing for Kaizer Chiefs.”

Kuffour is expected to formally hang his boots with a testimonial game on December 23 at the Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi.