Essien Weeps……As He Visits Colleagues In Camp

Grief-stricken Michael Essien has wished the Black Stars good luck in their preparations towards the World Cup finals in South Africa. The midfielder, who has been ruled out of next month’s competition after failing to recover from a knee injury, made an appearance at Ghana’s training camp in Paris.

Essien, who was in tears after a meeting between Ghana officials and some personnel from Chelsea over his injury situation, has since left the camp.

Ghana Football Association Spokesman, Randy Abbey, said it was an emotional scene at the team’s camp. “At the meeting, Michael Essien reiterated his commitment to the Black Stars and explained how he wished to have been part of the team preparing for the World Cup. “It was an emotional moment for him as he made his way upstairs to see his colleagues.

He visited every member of the squad in their rooms and wished them well. “Essien was close to tears,” Abbey said, adding that “after meeting with his teammates, he made his way out of the camp as he would be heading back to London to continue with his rehabilitation.”

Abbey said no decision had been taken yet, over whether Essien would be in South Africa in any capacity with Ghana. “We haven’t gotten to that state yet. No decision has been taken as to whether he will be there (World Cup) in any capacity. For now, the most important thing is to allow him to continue with his recovery programme which we are very concerned about.”

Meanwhile, Black Stars coach, Milovan Rajavac, has sent out a consoling and rallying cry to his players after the loss of influential midfielder, Michael Essien’s absence, and the Serbian Manager admits it is a blow to their aspirations. “I am really disappointed that Michael Essien will not be at the World Cup for Ghana as a player,” a broken Rajavac said. “He is an important player on and off field, but we can’t use him this time.

“Essien brings lots of advantages; he brings so many things to the team and always gives us options. “It’s most unfortunate. But I hope and believe that the other players would give of their best.”

Despite the absence of Essien, Rajevac says unity and hard work would make the Black Stars prevail in a difficult tournament. “We want to achieve with the team and must work hard. We will focus on the task ahead and hope we have a good World Cup,” the Serbian said.

“I hope the past experiences with injuries, though unfortunate, will help us stay united and fight for each other. Ghana will play Serbia, Australia and Germany in Group D of the tournament.

Michael Essien, after a review of his injury, is not expected to make full recovery until the end of July. He has been recovering from a knee injury picked up during training at the Africa Cup of Nations in January.


Source: The Ghanaian Times