Weah quits Liberia team

Weah gives his team talk in Monrovia before the disastrous defeat by Ghana

George Weah has announced his retirement from the Liberian national team in the wake of the 2-1 home defeat by Ghana.

The national hero was upset by the level of abuse directed at him as the Lone Star's chances were slipping away, and the stoning of the team coach after the game.

Weah, who had been acting as the team's technical director and bankrolling the side, says his decision has immediate effect even though Liberia could still qualify if they win their last game in Sierra Leone and Nigeria lose at home to Ghana.

He said: "I forgive people, but I have made my decision not to continue with the national team.

I will not go back on this even if Liberians come and beg me

George Weah

"I am a man of principle - this is not a joke and I will not go back on this even if Liberians come and beg me.

"I have done my best and no man can do more than that. It's sad that I have to leave, but it happens."

Near-miracle

Weah had been credited with a near-miracle in taking a team of national team veterans and young unknows to the brink of a stunning upset, moving ahead in Group B of established giants Nigeria and Ghana.

He added: "If I'm going to be the reason for the Liberian national team not to make progress, I am going to take myself out of the way.

"Hopefully someone will be able to come and take the team to a higher level in the Nations Cup next year."

Weah has had a magnificent club career, winning the European Player of the Year award (open to all those playing in Europe) and the Italian league twice with AC Milan, scoring around 130 top flight goals.

He will play next season for Monaco in France after moving from Marseille.