Benjamin Henrichs: I chose Germany because Ghana didn't show interest

2017 FIFA Confederations Cup winner Benjamin Henrichs says he opted to represent Germany because the Ghana FA did not show interest.

The Bayer Leverkusen player was born to a German father and a Ghanaian mother in Bocholt.

Henrichs has graduated as a youth international to play for the Die Mannschaft.

He made his debut last November in the 8-0 win over San Marino.

At the Confederations Cup, he made two appearances for Joachim Low's side who beat Chile to win the tournament staged in Russia.

''Germany asked me at the age of 14 to play for their under-15 national team and I didn't hear anything from Ghana until now,'' Henrichs, who is currently on holiday in Ghana,'' told Atinka TV.

'Actually, I thought about it [playing for Ghana], maybe at the beginning, because I saw players like [Michael] Essien playing for Ghana [and] because they were like idols for me.

''But they [Ghana] never asked and I didn't think about it anymore. So, when Germany asked, it was clear that I would play for Germany.

'I was just playing football at the beginning, so at the age of 11, 12, I didn't think about playing for Germany or Ghana.

'Then Germany asked me and why should I say no when this was the only offer I got. That's why I chose Germany.

'My mum wanted me to play for Ghana but I think she's not sad that I'm playing for Germany now. I think she's still happy.''