Essien’s Black Stars future in limbo

The Ghana FA remains committed to meeting with Michael Essien to discuss his Black Stars return despite the midfielder jetting off to join his club Chelsea.

The 30-year-old has refused to announce his return to the Ghana national team despite giving personal assurances to influential individuals. Essien was expected to have made certain of his national team future after hosting a successful charity game in Accra last month.


The Chelsea ace has, however, delayed his announcement raising doubts in the minds of Ghanaian fans of his commitment to the national team.


The midfielder who had a successful loan spell at Real Madrid last term says he wants to meet the Ghana FA to sort out ‘some issues’ before making a final determination of his national team future.


But the former Lyon man jetted off to begin pre-season training with Chelsea without meeting the Ghana FA – leaving his expected return for September’s crucial 2014 World Cup qualifier against Zambia in a limbo.

Ghana FA Boss Kwesi Nyantakyi, however, says the association will keep waiting on Essien to hold the meeting he so desires before announcing his return to the Black Stars.


“It was with him (Essien) who said he wanted to meet the GFA, but that statement was not backed by any action,” Nyantakyi told Ghanasoccernet.com. “We are ever ready to meet Essien whenever he is ready,” he assured.


Essien has not played for Ghana in over two years and has asked to be excused from international duty in order to regain his club form.