Emmanuel Clottey very much an Esperance player

By Ameenu Shardow

Esperance have dismissed reports the contract of Ghana striker Emmanuel Clottey has been terminated.

Spokesman of Clottey’s former club Berekum Chelsea, Isaac Amponsah had told local radio stations in Ghana the 25-year-old has had his contract terminated following Esperance’s inability to fulfill some financial obligations.

But the Tunisian club’s media directorate have released a statement saying last season’s CAF Champions League top scorer remains their player though admitting to some difficulties in the discharge of some financial commitments pertaining the reported US$1.5m deal.

“Regardless of some problems being faced, we will be keeping (Emmanuel) Clottey,” the statement said.

“We have had some difficulties with the procedure in transferring money abroad to Ghana – these things take time to happen.

“The player’s International Transfer Certificate (ITC) remains with us and a contract between a player and a club cannot be terminated unilaterally.

“We are looking forward to Clottey returning from the Africa Cup of Nations to help us in our future assignments and will inform the public on any new developments.”

The ex Great Olympics player joined the Red and Golds after emerging top scorer of last season’s CAF Champions League campaign with 12 goals.

He is currently with the Ghana national team at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa – where the Black Stars have qualified to the semi-final stage.