Ghana coach defends Essien's temporal retirement

Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac understands Michael Essien's decision to take a temporary break and expects him to bounce back next year.

The Chelsea ace received a lot of flak for his decision and claims he wants to regain his top form after being sidelined for close to six months.

The Serb believes the midfielder's decision must be respected by all and that his commitment level should be questioned.

“As you know with Michael he has had two very serious injuries both with the national team in the last two years. It affected him a lot. Whenever he was available he gave off his best. Now He wants to concentrate on his club and we all need to understand that and I am sure after sometime he will come back tothe national team and when we need him most he will be there to lead the team the way he knows,” Rajevac told the BBC.

Essien was excused for Ghana's international friendly against South Africa early this year and this weekend's opening 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

“Michael contacted me after I decided on the list for the game against Swaziland and wanted to ask permission to be excused for a while. He didn't bring this decision only by himself. I understood his thoughts and of course I want to help him to get into his old form, to start playing regularly and I gave that permission. I am sure he will come back tothe national team early next year and when we need him the most”, he added.