Essien's axing from Ghana's 2015 AFCON squad could spell end to his international career

Published on: 24 December 2014
Essien's axing from Ghana's 2015 AFCON squad could spell end to his international career
Michael Essien’s illustrious career with the Black Stars grinding to an end

By Ameenu Shardow

Follow on Twitter @alooameenu

Michael Essien’s career with the Black Stars appears to be grinding towards an end following his exclusion from the provisional Ghana squad for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.

The 32-year-old was left out of Ghana’s 31-man provisional squad for next year’s event to be staged in Equatorial Guinea despite being officially available for selection.

Essien who plays for Italian giants AC Milan was expected to make the Black Stars squad especially after displaying an improved form with the Rossoneri.

New Ghana coach Avram Grant – whom Essien worked under during his time at Chelsea – even visited for former Lyon man at his base in Italy.

Essien was however spectacularly snubbed by coach Avram Grant to give a clear indication of his numbered days with the Black Stars.

His exclusion could be also interpreted as a disciplinary measure for failing to warm up with the rest of the team for Ghana’s final 2014 World Cup game against Portugal.

The Ghana FA is however yet to officially open an inquest into that event let alone to arrive at a sanction.

Essien made his Black Stars debut at the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Mali in a game against Morocco having excelled coming through the youth ranks with the Ghana U17 and U20 national teams.

He helped qualify the nation for its maiden World Cup campaign in 2006 in Germany where he played a star role for the Black Stars in their run to the Round of 16.

Long term injuries got the better part of the classy defensive midfielder thereafter which saw him miss the 2010 World Cup.

He however returned to join the side during the qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup and played a minimal role at the finals staged in Brazil.

Essien has in all been recorded to have made 58 appearances for the Black Stars and has scored nine goals.

He is however widely considered to be one of the best midfielders Ghana has ever produced having made his name in Europe where he played for Bastia, Lyon, Chelsea, Real Madrid [on loan] and currently for AC Milan.

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