The suspicion that Ghanaian soccer players doctor their ages is the subject of media scrutiny this week in the United States of America.
With the 13-year-old Ghanaian Freddy Adu scheduled to make his debut for the United States U-17s against Jamaica on Wednesday, leading newspapers are casting doubts on the age of the player who became a U.S. citizen recently.
Adu went to the United States when he was 8 and has been training with the Under-17 team in Bradenton, Fla. He became a citizen on Feb. 13 when his mother Emelia gained citizenship.
Standing at 5ft. 8in., Adu has broad thighs and schoolgirl ankles’ got NEWSWEEK magazine commenting ‘ He’s got breakneck speed, the field vision of an NFL quarterback and a megawatt smile.’
Ray Hudson the boss of U S soccer team DC United says ‘ He’s one in 10 million. Smart as a whip. You don’t find players like this under every rock.’
Adu got revenge on his snipers by saying ‘ I know I’m mature for my age, but if people want to go to Ghana to find my records they can go right ahead. I’ve nothing to hide, I’m just blessed with talent.’
The youngster’s immense soccer talent has attracted massive attention from top European clubs to prise him away from American soccer. He has recently rejected a US $750,000.00 offer from Italian giants Inter Milan, preferring to stay with DC United until he matures.
