Kevin-Prince Boateng says he chose AC Milan ahead of his country.

The midfielder surprised many when he announced he would no longer be playing for Ghana at the age of 24.

"It isn't an easy situation and my family didn't really understand my decision, but I'd like it to be respected," he told Milan Channel.

"In my life I have already had six knee operations and many injuries. I am challenging for top honours at Milan like the Scudetto and Champions League, so did it to be at my best for the club. I did it to win with Milan."