Ghana's Kuffour released by Ajax

Sammy Kuffour has been released by Dutch club Ajax

Former Ghana defender Sammy Kuffour has been released by Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam.

The 31-year-old joined the club on a six-month deal in January with the option of a further two years.

But after playing in just two competitive matches for Ajax totalling 33 minutes, the club has decided not to extend his contract.

The defender joined Ajax from AS Roma on a free transfer after failing to impress the Italian outfit.

"After careful consideration we have decided to release Sammy Kuffour," a club statement said.

Kuffour is confident of a swift return to action, blaming his recent setbacks on a recurring knee injury.

"I am certainly fit enough to carry on playing at the top level. The injury did not help but I am fully recovered from it," Kuffour told BBC Sport.

"I am not certain about my next destination but I can assure you that there has been interest from several clubs."

Kuffour won 95 caps and scored three goals for Ghana, but has not been called up for the national side since the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

He started his European career with Italian club Torino in 1991 before joining German side Bayern Munich where he spent 11 seasons and won the Champions League in 2001.

The defender returned to Italy in 2005 when he joined AS Roma after leaving the Bundesliga giants.