Chelsea’s Michael Essien has been slammed by ex-Ghana FA boss, Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe. The latter believes that the Black Stars need not to chase “such an uncommitted” player.
Earlier in February this year, Michael Essien expressed himself through his official website. In an attempt to ease tensions within angry fans opposed to his idea of skipping his national team duties, the Chelsea defensive midfielder had declared:
“When I decided to take a break I knew some Ghanaians would be disappointed, but I felt at the time it was the right decision after two horrible injuries.
“Hopefully when I come back into the Ghanaian team, the break will be beneficial for the Ghana team and me. I don't want Ghanaians to believe these stories and then in March be disappointed that I am not in the team.
“I will definitely return to the team at some point in the future. However, it won’t be for the upcoming games. I haven't told the coach or anyone else that.”
But whereas Michael Essien is reportedly eying a return to the Ghanaian national team, one of the country’s former FA boss has advised the Black Stars not to look up to the player. According to Graphic Sports, Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe declared:
“No one is indispensable in any field of endeavour, including football. We must be courageous to call the bluff of those who seek to hold us to ransom.
“[Michael] Essien, in particular, has shown little commitment to the cause of the Black Stars. It is high time we forgot about him,
“After all, it is when someone leaves that new talents emerge – as it happened in the case of Mohammed Polo when he bounced onto the scene as a small boy in the 1970s.
“It was the exposure that Ghana gave him as an Under-17 in 1999 that has ultimately yielded a career in Europe. If he is unwilling to reciprocate the gesture, or believes he has finished paying his due, let's leave him alone.”
The last time Michael Essien played for Ghana’s Black Stars was against Cote d’Ivoire back in January 20 during the Africa Cup of Nations. The Chelsea man’s international career may well be officially over after midfielders Kwadwo Asamoah and Kevin-Prince Boateng seem to have won the Ghanaian public’s favour.
Ghana will face Congo in an African Nations Cup qualifier later this month. They will also face England at the Wembley Stadium and Michael Essien may not be included in the roster for this titanic friendly match.
“When I decided to take a break I knew some Ghanaians would be disappointed, but I felt at the time it was the right decision after two horrible injuries.
“Hopefully when I come back into the Ghanaian team, the break will be beneficial for the Ghana team and me. I don't want Ghanaians to believe these stories and then in March be disappointed that I am not in the team.
“I will definitely return to the team at some point in the future. However, it won’t be for the upcoming games. I haven't told the coach or anyone else that.”
But whereas Michael Essien is reportedly eying a return to the Ghanaian national team, one of the country’s former FA boss has advised the Black Stars not to look up to the player. According to Graphic Sports, Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe declared:
“No one is indispensable in any field of endeavour, including football. We must be courageous to call the bluff of those who seek to hold us to ransom.
“[Michael] Essien, in particular, has shown little commitment to the cause of the Black Stars. It is high time we forgot about him,
“After all, it is when someone leaves that new talents emerge – as it happened in the case of Mohammed Polo when he bounced onto the scene as a small boy in the 1970s.
“It was the exposure that Ghana gave him as an Under-17 in 1999 that has ultimately yielded a career in Europe. If he is unwilling to reciprocate the gesture, or believes he has finished paying his due, let's leave him alone.”
The last time Michael Essien played for Ghana’s Black Stars was against Cote d’Ivoire back in January 20 during the Africa Cup of Nations. The Chelsea man’s international career may well be officially over after midfielders Kwadwo Asamoah and Kevin-Prince Boateng seem to have won the Ghanaian public’s favour.
Ghana will face Congo in an African Nations Cup qualifier later this month. They will also face England at the Wembley Stadium and Michael Essien may not be included in the roster for this titanic friendly match.
