An emotional ex-Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah has thanked Ghanaians for the massive show of support during his farewell game at the Accra Sports Stadium on Saturday.
Appiah, brought an end to glittering career that saw him represent Ghana at all the various national levels; Starlets, satellites, Meteors and the Black Stars, one of only few Ghanaian players to have chopped such feat.
The 34 year old summoned arguably the highest turn out at the Accra Sports stadium for the first time since Ghana’s quarter final victory over Nigeria in 2008.
The game also saw all living past Presidents of Ghana, grace the event to give their endorsement to a man whose dedication and desire put the name of Ghana on the world footballing map at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
“I wasn’t expecting this crowd but Ghanaians have shown their love and it doesn’t surprise me. Right from my colts days, they have always shown me love and respect and I want to thank all Ghanaians for their love and prayers. Without them I couldn’t have reached this far. I thank them,” Appiah said.
“Well I think the Stephen of today is the same Stephen Appiah 30 years ago. I think what makes us different is our characters. People get a little and they start thinking that they are above everybody but I put my feet down till today and I think that is why everybody is talking.”
“What I want to tell them is they shouldn’t rush in life. They should let the passion come before they start thinking of money. They should respect their elders, respect their coaches, follow instructions and work harder”.
Cameroonian international Samuel Eto and Togolese international Emmanuel Adebayor were amongst a host of football icons who entertained thousand who trooped to the stadium to say farewell to a man they affectionately call “Tornado.”
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By: Rahman Osman/citifmonline.com/Ghana