Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has confirmed the death of his father moments after arriving in Ghana for this week's decisive 2014 World Cup qualifier against Zambia.
The Chelsea ace arrived in Accra on Sunday night to play for his country after a two-year absence and was welcomed to the sad news of his father's passing.
Essien travelled to his country to join the national team for Friday’s deciding 2014 World Cup qualifier against Zambia.
The 30-year-old was returning to the side after an over two-year absence to help him recover fully from injury and to regain a regular first team place at his club.
The former Lyon man however touched down in Accra after watching Chelsea lose the UEFA Super Cup match against Bayern Munich from the bench last Friday night to the sad news of his dad James Essien's death.
“It’s hard to take but God knows best. Thanks a lot for the support and well wishes. R.I.P Father!!!!,†Essien tweeted to confirm the sad news that has already gone viral on social media.
It is now unclear whether the powerful midfielder will carry on with his duties with the national team that begins training on Monday evening.
A decision on Essien’s status with the Black Stars following the news of his dad passing is expected to be made on Monday.
The Chelsea ace becomes the latest Black Stars player to lose a parent in recent times – following the likes of Anthony Annan, Asamoah Gyan and Isaac Vorsah.