Reports in Ghanaian media Sunday claim that Real Madrid on-loan midfielder Michael Essien has rejected an offer from Ghana national team coach Kwesi Appiah to be part of the team's squad that will play in the 2013 African Cup of Nations.

The 29-year-old, Essien is working hard to book a regular spot on the Real Madrid squad, which he joined in summer  after efforts to get on his former team, Chelsea, didn't come through.

Real Madrid on-loan star says he is trying to recuperate his form and informed authorities that he will not be available to feature for the team in the Nations Cup, according to Ghanaian Ghanasoccernet Sunday.

Meanwhile, Essien confirmed he is available for the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, which resumes in March next year.

The former Chelsea star scored his first goal with Real Madrid during the 4-0 over Real Zaragoza on Saturday.

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