|
|
Mixed reaction to Chelsea star Michael Essien’s plan to take Ghana break
The midfield general wants a respite…
22 Aug 2010 09:48:00
By K.N.S Mensah
Ghana and Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has reportedly said he is putting his international career on hold to concentrate on club matters after returning to action following the long-term knee injury he sustained while on duty with the Black Stars at the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations.
"I think I will be taking a break. Not retiring, just not playing all the time. I have to take the right decision for myself,” Essien was quoted as saying on kickoffghana.com.
"I don't know whether they [the national team] will be disappointed because they have done fine without me."
However, reactions from some fans back home are divided over the news.
“Is he saying that he would never get injured through club commitments, or Chelsea is more important to him than Ghana?” Akwasi Osei asked Goal.com.
“He’s making a wrong choice and the earlier he decides the better. We are already doing fine without him but he still has a major role to play in the team.”
Others, like Michael Sowah, believe Essien should give way to the youngsters and come in at the crucial moments.
“We should not stress him. Let us allow him to take a long, deserved break from the Black Stars to focus on club commitments. He can decide to come when we need him most.”
"Michael is still an important component of this side, he is a special player," coach Milovan Rajevac told FIFA.com. "Essien brings a special dimension to this team. We are looking forward to having him back with us."
Essien has 51 caps for Ghana and has represented the country at every level except for the Olympics. He has started both of Chelsea's Premier League matches so far this season, contributing to two 6-0 victories. They were his first league games for the club since last December.
|
Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
"I think I will be taking a break. Not retiring, just not playing all the time. I have to take the right decision for myself,” Essien was quoted as saying on kickoffghana.com.
"I don't know whether they [the national team] will be disappointed because they have done fine without me."
However, reactions from some fans back home are divided over the news.
“Is he saying that he would never get injured through club commitments, or Chelsea is more important to him than Ghana?” Akwasi Osei asked Goal.com.
“He’s making a wrong choice and the earlier he decides the better. We are already doing fine without him but he still has a major role to play in the team.”
Others, like Michael Sowah, believe Essien should give way to the youngsters and come in at the crucial moments.
“We should not stress him. Let us allow him to take a long, deserved break from the Black Stars to focus on club commitments. He can decide to come when we need him most.”
"Michael is still an important component of this side, he is a special player," coach Milovan Rajevac told FIFA.com. "Essien brings a special dimension to this team. We are looking forward to having him back with us."
Essien has 51 caps for Ghana and has represented the country at every level except for the Olympics. He has started both of Chelsea's Premier League matches so far this season, contributing to two 6-0 victories. They were his first league games for the club since last December.
Our 
provides the best breaking news online and our 
football fan community is unmatched worldwide. Never miss a thing again!
provides the best breaking news online and our football fan community is unmatched worldwide. Never miss a thing again!| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
Make Your Prediction
Zambia - Ghana
Zambia
Ghana
Prediction Submitted
Most Popular Predictions
-
Zambia 0-2 Ghana
- 23.33 %
-
Zambia 0-3 Ghana
- 20 %
-
Zambia 0-4 Ghana
- 13.33 %
Inside Goal.Com
-
Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line
England beat Norway 1-0 at Wembley, with the Manchester United man hitting an impressive winner to stake his claim for a starting spot at Euro 2012
-
How England player's chances were affected by Belgium victory
Ashley Young all but secured his place in the starting line-up against France while captain Steven Gerrard put a good shift in. Joe Hart, however, needs to remain focused
-
In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012
The European Championship is just around the corner and Goal.com distinguishes between the trendy and the passe at the prestigious tournament
-
The five players Rodgers could sign to kick-start revolution
The new Reds boss was unveiled to the press on Friday and must immediately begin work on revitalising a thin squad with some additions in the transfer market
-
Managerial merry-go-round keeps spinning as Lambert takes Villa job
The Scot officially left Norwich City on Saturday to become the second new boss in June, following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool on Friday
