Parma midfielder Afriyie Acquah has revealed his admiration for AC Star Michael Essien and says he has always drew inspiration from the Black Stars vice captain.
The 22-year-old's performance in the Serie A has earned him raving reviews and is considered one of the outsiders to gatecrash the Ghana squad for the 2014 World Cup.
Though Acquah is not seen as a direct replica of Michael Essien but most people have likened his style of play to the ex-Chelsea playmaker.
And, he says Essien has always been his inspiration: "When I was growing up, in most of my interviews I always said I wanted to be like Essien because he is a great player."
"When we played against them, I had to chance to briefly talk to him and it was a cherisable moment for me."
Acquah, who is on loan at Parma from German side TSG Hoffenheim after enjoying an unsuccessful first season in the Bundesliga, has rated the Italian top-flight miles ahead of the German Bundesliga.
"The Serie A is far tougher than the Bundesliga though it is also a good league but the league here demands more."