Former Hearts of Oak winger Bernard Don Bortey has announced his retirement from football and has set sights on becoming a coach.
The 37-year-old came into the limelight at the U-17 FIFA World Cup in 1999, scoring three goals to become the joint top scorer in the tournament.
He also won four Ghana Premier League trophies, a goal king gong and a CAF Confederation Cup trophy during his nine-year stint at Hearts of Oak.
However, Bortey has expressed some regrets about his playing career as he hangs his boots.
"I’m not God. Maybe where I reached was the stage God wanted me to finish it for someone to come and continue. I have pain in me but it’s past," he said.
"I have to put it behind me because I have three kids who are all playing football, so I have to focus on pushing them. I could not do it but maybe they can do it for me.
"I want to be a coach now. I’ve retired. I was not 100 per cent sure but I have done it.
He added, "I’m still playing football but not competitively. I don’t want to play any more competitive leagues like the Ghana Premier League because I have made the name already."
"Everybody knows my name in Ghana football. So I have to leave for the young ones to take over. Now, I’m a coach. I’m not a footballer anymore. I’ve retired."