There was nothing like corruption in my era – Odartey Lamptey

Former striker of the Ghana National football team, Odartey Lamptey, has said that there was nothing like corruption or bribery during his time of play.

According to him, the selection of players was purely based on talents and hard work because there was no agent or manager available at that time.

“It was hard work and nothing else. There was nothing like your father paying for you to get a position in the team but now that’s what is trending and it is affecting the system badly.” He said.

Odartey in an interview on Kofi TV stated that, the first time he got to know corruption existed in Ghana football was when he saw the video of investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas and that made him very sad.

“Let’s say we’re in the same team and you’re better than me, you have the skills and all, but because my father is rich and can afford to pay me into the team, I’ll be selected and you’ll be dropped. At the end of the day, the team will be made up of rubbish. If we go to play against a team like Germany that does things genuinely, can we cope with them? It’s impossible.” He said.

He played as a striker for Aston Villa, Anderlecht, Venezia, Unión Santa Fe, Ankaragücü, UniãoLeiria, PSV Eindhoven, Coventry City and the Ghana national football team.