Gargo lauds new GFA board

Mohammed Gargo, Black Stars defensive midfielder who returned to the team on Sunday after rescinding his decision not to play for Ghana said the new board of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has started on a good note in its relationship with players.

"There are lots of changes in the GFA system, their relationship with the players is very cordial and they are trying to bring back the spirit into Ghanaian footballers. When there is the spirit there is the commitment."


Gargo, who turned his back on the national team soon after the African Nations Cup (CAN) 2000 hosted by Ghana and Nigeria for undue criticism and insults by some ex footballers told the GNA Sports on Thursday that he was happy to be back into the team.


"It's a great feeling to be back in the team to serve my country after the long absence. In fact, I was not happy staying away from the Black Stars but misguided utterances from some people forced me to take such a painful decision," he said.


He said playing for Ghana is a sacrifice that Ghanaian professional players must make as their contribution towards national development and Ghanaians must appreciate such sacrifices, instead of castigating and insulting them when they make mistakes.


"We earn peanuts playing for Ghana and our frequent absence from our clubs jeopardises our chances of playing regularly because there are quality players for every position and once you miss a match, you'll have to start afresh and fight for a shirt."


Gargo said it is erroneous for Ghanaians to think that they desire to play for the national team because of money, adding that the foreign based players stand the chance of making more money by remaining with their clubs instead of answering national calls.

The Udinese of Italy player said he returned to the team on his own volition and was glad to be received warmly by coach Fred Osam Doudu who trusted him and fielded him against Sudan on Sunday.


He pledged his loyalty and commitment to the coach and promised to be available for Mali 2002.


On the match against Sudan, he said the enthusiasm of the team was killed when they heard the result from Freetown that Liberia had beaten Sierra Leone and the Black Stars would have no chance of qualifying even if they won by a cricket score.


"We were no longer keen to annihilate our Sudanese opponents and we only played to win for the records," he said.


Gargo confirmed media speculations that he was likely to leave Udinese when he said, "I read from Italian newspapers that Inter Milan and Roma are in touch with Udinese for discussions on me but I have not been contacted yet." He added that after six years at Udinese, he would be delighted to move to face new challenges.