Eintracht Frankfurt’s Greece international striker Frankfurt Ioannis Amanatidis conceded Wednesday he cannot compete in the World Cup dream because of a knee injury.
“I’ve ruled out the World Cup. It’s my decision, it’s final,” the 28-year-old told the SID news agency.
“I’m lacking competition and wouldn’t be 100 percent in six weeks. Of course competing in the World Cup would have looked good on my CV but what would I have gained by playing five or ten minutes in a match?
“It’s better to give my place to a player in top form who can help the team.”
Amanatidis, who has already informed Greece coach Otto Rehhagel of his decision, played his first match this week since undergoing knee surgery in November.
Since 2002 he has been selected 35 times for Greece and scored three goals.
Greece, the 2004 European champions, will play Argentina, Nigeria and South Korea in Group B of the World Cup starting on June 11 in South Africa.
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