Muntari's abilities first came to light in youth tournaments, while he was playing for Liberty Professionals in Accra. As a raw 16-year-old, he was already an integral member of Ghana's U-20 team as they finished runners-up at the 2001 FIFA World Youth Championship in Argentina, losing out to the hosts in the final. Starting every match in defence, the youngster crossed paths with – and eliminated – future stars of the calibre of Adriano, Kaka, Julio Baptista and Djibril Cisse.

Those performances seduced scouts from Europe looking for the next big thing, and, despite impressing during a trial with Manchester United, he was soon packing his bags for Udinese. His first season was spent in the reserves, but his chance to shine was on its way and finally came at the San Siro on 6 November 2002, when he made his debut appearance against AC Milan of all teams. The Rossoneri proved too strong on the day, yet Udinese's young newcomer left an instant impression. "Muntari was immense against Milan," enthused monthly magazine Football Italia, "showing himself to possess the touch of Kaka and the combativeness of Edgar Davids, he is definitely a player to keep a close eye on."

Elevation to Ghana's senior squad came next, and Muntari won his first cap against Burkina Faso in June 2004 as the Black Stars opened their 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

Strenght: Sulley Ali Muntari's ball-winning ability and tactical acumen make him a key figure in Udinese Calcio's midfield, with a powerful shot from long distance and set-pieces.

2004/05: He made 33 appearances Serie A, scoring his first two goals for the club, and also earned his UEFA Cup debut as Udinese finished fourth. He played in both legs of the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round tie against Sporting Clube de Portugal, as Udinese won 4-2 on aggregate and reached the group stage.

• Muntari entered the international spotlight early, helping Ghana finish runners-up at the 2001 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina while still only 16; made his Serie A debut for Udinese on 6 November 2002 in a 1-0 defeat by AC Milan and in 2005/06 played all six games in the Friulani's debut UEFA Champions League campaign.

• Was first capped at senior level by Ghana in May 2002 and represented the Black Stars at the 2006 FIFA World Cup; he was also a key performer at the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, scoring three goals as the team finished third.

• Joined Portsmouth in 2007 for a club-record fee, scoring four goals in 29 Premier League appearances and lifting the FA Cup; scored the winner from the penalty spot in a quarter-final against Manchester United FC at Old Trafford.

• Returned to Italy after one season, joining José Mourinho's Inter and winning the Scudetto; won the treble in 2009/10, making 27 Serie A appearances and featuring as a substitute in the UEFA Champions League final victory against FC Bayern München.

• Scored for Ghana in the 2010 FIFA World Cup quarter-final loss to Uruguay on penalties and ended the year by helping the Nerazzurri win the FIFA Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi.

• A lack of first-team action prompted a six-month loan in January 2011 to Sunderland, where he linked up with international colleagues John Mensah and Asamoah Gyan.
• Loaned to AC Milan (Jan 2012)