Cape Town - Emmanuel Adebayor has turned down the chance to represent Togo in their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Tunisia.
After several months without a club, the 32-year-old joined Crystal Palace in the English Premier League during the January transfer window, but he is still battling to regain full fitness.
The Sparrow Hawks, though, included him in their squad for the home and away AFCON qualifiers against Tunisia on March 22 and 26, but the veteran striker, who last played for his country in June 2015, says he wants to focus on his club.
"I thank you for having me selected for the matches against Tunisia," he wrote on Facebook.
"It would be an honour to play for my country. However, I don't think this is the opportune moment. Indeed, as you probably know, I just signed for a new team in London and I'm doing everything I can to be 100% physically and mentally fit.
"I'm practicing very hard with Crystal Palace in order to ensure the best results for the team for the rest of the season. And unfortunately I do not wish to interrupt this training because it would affect me physically and mentally.
"And I have to decline your offer to be part of the team for these games. I wish you a great success for these matches and I will follow as your biggest fan."