Ghana international John Paintsil insists that his primary focus now is to help Santos to gain promotion and a return to the Black Stars is “a secondary matter” now.

The defender, who is yet to play for Santos due to delays in acquiring a work permit, said “I’m in no rush to return to the Black Stars.”

Paintsil, who has been with the four-time African champions over the last 11 years, last got involved in an international assignment at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

He joined the National First Division side in October this year after falling out with Israeli side Hapoel Tel Aviv.

“The national team is there for everyone, not only me,” the 32-year-old said. “I’ve been consistent. I picked up an injury during this year’s Afcon but now I’m back. Now I’m here at Santos and the most important thing is to help Santos get promoted and the national team is a secondary matter at this stage.”

“At the moment my concentration is on Santos. The national team coach must decide whether he calls me or not. When he does I will go and play because I have not retired. It’s up to the national team coach to decide whether I’m ready,” the former Fulham guardsman stated.