Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien to return to Ghana national side for 2012 ACN qualifiers
The http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786 midfielder Michael Essien was one of the best players in the world and that his return to the national side would be welcomed.
According to Appiah, the 28-year-old was “perfect for any first class team in the world” and would be a great boost to the side Ghanaian side vying for qualification for the African Cup of Nations 2012.
The Ghanaian assistant coach spoke during speculation that Essien was considering returning to the national side after a self imposed exile, which goes all the way back to 2008.
Appiah said in a statement, “Essien is one of the finest players in the world and will fit into any team. Any team will like to have such a talent in their set-up.”
He continued, “I will still insist we should give him some little time to decide on his international future because the young man has been through a lot and it’s only fair he settles and make the best choice.”
The Blues midfielder decided to take a break from the Ghana national side after he picked up a lengthy injury during the 2008 African Cup of Nations, held in http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Angola-c2838.
He was widely criticized for his decision but Essien insisted he had decided to focus of his club career for the time being and would return to serve his country when he felt the time was right.
It seems Essien feels the time is right to make a comeback for Ghana, just in time for the upcoming qualifiers for the 2012 African Cup of Nations.
Essien said while speaking to reporters, “I really want to help my country to qualify for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) so I am ready to join my colleagues to help the country to qualify.”
According to the midfielder he had no intention of retiring, he continued, “I still have a lot to offer my country and it never crossed my mind to retire from the national team.”
The African Cup of Nations is set to be held in http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Gabon-c2902 next year and the 28-year-old holding midfielder is confident he will feature for his country.
After the 18 month absence from the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Black-Stars-c38646 squad, enough time for Essien to completely recover from his injuries and return to once again lead his country in Africa’s biggest football competition.
Since making his debut for the Ghana national side, Essien has been an essential part of the squad and his absence has undeniably affected the side.
Essien has made appearances for Ghana in all the major competitions, including the 2002 African Cup of Nations, 2006 World Cup in http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Germany-c2904 and the 2008 African Cup of Nations.
It was after the 2008 competition that Essien ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament, which threatened to end his career, which is why the midfielder decided to take a break from international football.
However, he has returned to fitness since then and has featured for the Blues 40 times this season. His fitness this season has played a big part in his decision to return to the Ghana squad.
Ghana take on http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Michael-Essien-c25294 will most likely receive a call up.
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