NOT RETIRED YET

The Chelsea midfielder, Michael Essien, has made it clear that he has not retired from international football and he will make a comeback for the Black Stars after talking to the officials of Ghana Football Association.

In 2011, after returning from a severe cruciate ligament injury, Essien had clearly told Ghana Football Association that he didn’t want to be selected for the national team for some time as he wanted to focus on his club career. Since then, he hasn’t turned up for the Black Stars.
There had been a few reports that Essien has decided to retire from international football now, but, the Chelsea superstar has denied those reports.

Talking to the correspondent of a Ghanaian news channel a few days back, Essien said, “I haven’t quit international football yet. These reports are not true. I am hoping to play for my nation at some point of time in the future.”

“I can declare myself available for selection only after meeting the GFA officials. Before that, I can’t say when I will be coming back.”

Some former players often criticize Essien for not being 100% committed to his country. When asked about that, he said, “It’s not true at all. It hurts me when people say like that. I have always been fully committed to my country. Whenever I have worn the Ghana shirt, I have given my 100%.”

“I never said that I didn’t want to play for Ghana. I just said that I wanted a bit of a break. That’s it.”

Essien had made his debut for the senior team of Ghana against Morocco in the African Cup of Nations in 2002. He has so far featured for Ghana in 52 matches and has found the back of the net 9 times.