Ex-Ghana star Tony Yeboah slams Essien's prolonged Ghana return

Published on: 28 February 2011

Ex-Ghana striker Tony Yeboah claims midfielder Michael Essien has taken too long to end his international hiatus.

The Chelsea ace early this month failed to confirm his return date to the 2010 Fifa World Cup quarter-finalists.

Ghanaian fans were expecting Essien to return next month for the crucial 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Congo Brazzaville and the friendly against England.

But the former Leeds United player says the 28-year-old has over-stayed.

"I don't think it was a bad decision because sometimes you look at yourself and know you have to concentrate on your club career. But it has taken too long. Now he is settled, the fitness is good; the performance is not bad so now is the time for him to come back," Yeboah told KickOffGhana.com.

"I don't know the reason why he said that (he won't return in March) but it is the time for him to come back. We gave him the chance to settle down and now I think everything is okay for him. He can't say he won't play for the Ghana national team again. He asked permission to get a break but for me it's a good time for him to come back."

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