I chose the Passion Before the Money..... Stephen Appiah

Former captain of the Ghana Black Stars Stephen Appiah has cautioned local players to always try to choose their passion before money in other to realize their dream.

"During my days as a local player, I didn't choose the money before the passion, I chose my passion before the money because when the passion is there, then the money will come," Appiah told captains of the 16 premier league clubs at a gathering organized by the Professional Footballers Association of Ghana (PFAG).

"It is said that to be a great person you need to have the will and the skill, but the will should be stronger than the skill. For instant, during my time at the colt level most people were of the view that Nii Ayi was better than Stephen Appiah.

Nii Ayi had a lot of skill than Stephen Appiah but he couldn't make it to Europe. Do you know why? Because Stephen Appiah had the will. You can have all the skill, but when the will is not there you cannot go anywhere," Appiah said.

The El Capitano also advised the players to heed to advice from their seniors because they have been there before.

"When you are actively playing you may take certain things for granted, but as soon as your career comes to an end there you'll realize that you've made some silly mistakes so take a cue from our experiences and take our advice as well," he added.

Appiah, who played for Accra Hearts of Oak in Ghana before leaving for Europe also recognise how important it is for a nation to honour its heroes.

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