Michael Essien retires from Ghana Black Stars.

Legendary Ghana Black Stars midfielder Michael Essien has called it quits with the Ghana national team, saying he even retired before the 2014 World Cup.

The former Chelsea ace, 35 is currently without a club having left Indonesian club Persib Bandung earlier this year.

Essien has not played for the Black Stars since Ghana's disappointing campaign at the 2014 World Cup where he was largely fingered to have contributed to the player revolt in camp.

The Uefa Champions League winner who has racked up 58 appearance for Ghana has now revealed that he has retired from international football.

“If I am called to the Black Stars, No!” he told GHOne TV.

“This is because I am retired. I even retired before we went to the World Cup in Brazil but I was called to come and help.

“And then in Brazil they treated me like…”

Essien has had many run ins with the Ghana national team suffering his most horrific injuries while on duty with the Black Stars.

He made his competitive debut for the Black Stars at the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations staged in Mali.