Boateng hangs up international boots

Ghana's Kevin-Prince Boateng has announced his retirement from international football aged just 24, the country's Football Association have confirmed. The AC Milan star has won nine caps for the Black Stars since switching his allegiance from Germany 18 months ago, scoring one goal, but claims the physical demands of international football are proving too much for him. A statement on the Ghana FA website read: "The Ghana Football Association has received a letter from player Kevin-Prince Boateng on his decision to resign from the senior national team, the Black Stars. "According to Kevin, the physical demands of playing for both club and country at high levels are taking a toll on his health. "The player also explained that in order to remain healthy and stay off any injuries, he has consulted his doctors and family over the matter and has decided to take the decision to excuse himself from national duties since he is on a special training that he has to interrupt to honour national invitations. "The Ghana Football Association is yet to take a position on the decision of Kevin-Prince Boateng." Boateng failed to establish himself during a three-year spell in the Barclays Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur and Portsmouth but has won plaudits since his move to Italy. He recently hit a second-half hat-trick as a substitute as Milan came from 3-0 down to beat Lecce 4-3.