After more than a year away from the national team, Ghanaian left-back Baba Rahman has opened up about the challenges he faced and his hopes of returning to the Black Stars.

The experienced defender, who enjoyed a standout campaign with Greek giants PAOK — contributing five goals and three assists in 29 league appearances and two more goals in European competition — says he is mentally stronger and remains in close contact with the national team technical team.

Rahman’s absence from the national side has long been attributed to fan backlash. He was heavily booed during his last appearance for the Black Stars in September 2023, despite Ghana sealing a 2-1 win over the Central African Republic in an AFCON qualifier.

“The jeering didn’t faze me during the match. As a professional, you learn to handle that,” Rahman told Joy Sports. “But after the final whistle, as I walked to the team bus, it really hit home. We had just won, so I expected some support — but I was still being jeered. That was hard to swallow.”

Since then, the former Chelsea defender has declined several national team call-ups, including an invitation to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, citing a desire to focus on his club career.

Recently, speculation about his return resurfaced when Rahman was spotted at the team hotel during the Unity Cup preparations in London. However, he clarified that he only went to visit his former teammates.

“I’ll be back soon, God willing,” he said. “I’ve stayed in regular touch with the coach. It’s just been unfortunate timing — every international break, something seems to come up with my fitness. But I’m working hard, and I’ll be ready.”

Despite the setback, Rahman remains one of Ghana’s most improved defenders in recent seasons, impressing not just domestically but also in European competitions. Now, he’s quietly plotting a return — this time with more resilience and renewed purpose.