Ghana FA Ex.Co member Afriyie jabs Nana Fitz over Essien quit call
Posted On Friday, 11th May 2012
Essien struggling to get into Chelsea's starting XI
By Ameenu Shardow
Ghana FA Executive Committee Member Geroge Afriyie says comments passed by Nana Fitzgerald over the form of Michael Essien are ‘unfortunate’ and ‘baseless’.
The veteran football administrator insisted the Chelsea ace is ‘finished’ and therefore will be unwise to hand him a call to the Black Stars.
Essien, 29, has struggled for form and regular playing time under interim boss Roberto Di Matteo after recovering from a knee injury sustained at the beginning of the campaign.
His uninspiring performances for the Blues whenever handed a rare start has raised several doubts as to whether he can still be relied upon during national team assignments – doubts epitomized by Fitzgerald who remains adamant the former Lyon enforcer is finished.
But Afriyie in his reaction to Fitzgerald’s comments says it is way too early to write of a player of the caliber of Michael Essien.
“If really Nana Fitz said that then it is very unfortunate comment which lacks basis,” he told Kumasi-based Angel FM.
“Unfortunate in the sense that here in Ghana we retire our players prematurely or say things to discourage them.
“How can you rate a player who has been making the eighteen man squad of Chelsea in a tough league like the EPL on a consistent basis as finished?
“I don’t know the kind of football Nana Fitz has been watching, I don’t know what his understanding of modern football is, I don’t know where he is coming from, all I know is that Essien is still a good player – good enough to make the Chelsea team.”
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i said it that george afriyie will come out to defend the indefendable,michael essien is aging and beside he dont deserve a call up, i totally agreed with nana fitz because playing for chelsea is nothing to riyt hom about how much ghana.let say the truth ghanaians
This is a perfect reaction to the comments by Nana. Go Afriyie! Go Essien!! Go Ghana!!! Go Black Stars!!!!
What makes fitzgerand a veteran.Ghanaians take words and use it any how.
His comment regards is shallow.He was probably drunk.
benny you talk any how,nkwasiasem kwa,even essien to be called veteran bcos he is old than that 29 he is claming.
@james–it is better to keep mute and let people assume you are fool than open your mouth to confirm it.Clearly you have shown that a three month baby has sense than you .
Although i am not part of your conversation but your comments are just fantastic coupled with wisdom
@james i believe you and your so called nana fitz are all mad i think you and nana whatever need to go and check you brain if its on right track no sorry idiot
@ James, do you think 29 years old is enough for him to quit football? Do you know the ages of Schols, Giggs, Inzaghi, Gatusso? Do you know the age at which Van de Sar retired? All the footballers cheats interms of age. So what if he is more than 29. What do you expect from a player who has been out of football for a year? Though his form has depleted but he is still one of the best midfilders in the world. Love him or hate him
Nana Fitzgerald or what I wonder your Irish meddle name, you are finished your cheep shot on Essien is nothing but unprofessional.
How dare you,look Michael need our prayers and support not such a negative mind as you are.
This is what RDM Chelsea Manager said,
while the loss of Meireles wouldn’t be a problem if the Essien of old was still on display but the three serious knee injuries he has suffered since 2008 have taken their toll.
Di Matteo conceded the Ghanaian is far from his best and added: “It’s because he has been out for a long time. It takes a bit of time to get back into rhythm. I’m sure with a full pre-season he will start next season fine.”
Sources.
London Evening Standard
Thank you Mr Afriyie well said.
Michael will bounce back next season Amen.
@ james.u are a complete foollish person.do u know who is finished.are u our god.idiot,stupid fool just like the so called veteran administrator.
@osman@Danso@chris why are u attacking nana & james ? michael essien is not in form for a coach like kwesi appiah use our money to visit him,gosh is he the only player who can help us to win the world cup ? come on guys essien visit was useless .
though essien was one of the best midfieders in the world but seriously the guy is not essien we know.instead of we finding the young ones to replace him we are still dancing to the old tune.nana fitz shouldnt have said finished to discribe a player like essien then which words will use to discribe john mensah,john pantil,prince tagoe,adiyiah and the likes? that was unfortunate statement by nana fitz.
Essien is not finished. He needs Ghana Blackstars.
Muntari was given a chance to play with his Black brothers, and he took the opportunity. Featured in 2 African cups and the World Cup. Now he is the shining star in Milan.
Michael will play for the Blackstars again. He needs to get away and the season is almost done. Come and play the ‘agro’ ball with us and you will gain your confidence again. Believe in your abilities and work hard especially concentrating on your cardio. Amen
Essien is still – whether you like it or not – Ghana’s best midfielder, even though he has slowed down a little. Most accurate passer (long/short) of all the Ghanaian midfielders today. They cannot string together 4 or more passes per possession which is poor.He needs us more done ever before and we need him too. Marriage made in heaven. Cometh 2014 World Cup Ghana shall be in the semi-final.
Essien is still – whether you like it or not – Ghana’s best midfielder, even though he has slowed down a little. Most accurate passer (long/short) of all the Ghanaian midfielders today. They cannot string together 4 or more passes per possession which is poor.He needs us more done ever before and we need him too. Marriage made in heaven. Cometh 2014 World Cup Ghana shall be in the semi-final.
Essien is not finished. He needs Ghana Blackstars.
Muntari was given a chance to play with his Black brothers, and he took the opportunity. Featured in 2 African cups and the World Cup. Now he is the shining star in Milan.
Michael will play for the Blackstars again. He needs to get away and the season is almost done. Come and play the ‘agro’ ball with us and you will gain your confidence again. Believe in your abilities and work hard especially concentrating on your cardio. Amen
This Nana Firtz is oldman but talk anyhow whenever come to TV or Radio,he and Dan Kweku Yeboah always don’t see anything good about the Black Stars even if they are performing well.
Haha Nana is in trouble,he doesn’t know that black star is being played by NAME and not FORM.even up till now some Ghanaians still think we have to invite Tony Yeboah,Abedi Pele and Stephen Appiah
@james. scientists have discovered cavemen who were smarter than u….u r de dumbest..big up man
Nana ‘sh#t’ or whatever name dad gave to you, please keep your dirty mouth out of Essien’ affairs. Essien has just come out of two bad injuries, it will take sometime for him to hit top form. This is simple logic. Foolish fool. Next time be slow to speak.