Former Ghana international Michael Essien has revealed the reason why he was forced out of International football retirement ahead of the FIFA World Cup in Brazil 2014.
The ex-Real Madrid midfielder has finally retired from International football, however, he claims he had no intention of coming out of retirement when he previously retired.
But ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, he was convinced to come and help the team following his vast experience in football.
Essien, 35, speaking on GHOne TV’s Cheers show, says he was persuaded to come out of retirement to help his country.
“If I’m called to play for the Black Stars? No, because I’ve retired.
“I even retired before we went to Brazil. And they came for me to come and help which I did but I went to Brazil and they treated me like…” Essien complained.
The FIFA World Cup in 2014, for many Ghanaians, is a shameful expedition which should be forgotten.
Essien opened the lid of the rumours.
“It was a big misunderstanding with the appearance fee and stuff like that."
"We’ve been to World Cups and things never happened like that so I don’t know why all of a sudden something like this should happen like that to create a big misunderstanding between players and officials.
“I think with everything that’s coming up [from #Number12 documentary], now Ghanaians are more aware – they will understand. I’ve not watched anything; I’ve just heard."
"I don’t have time to watch that rubbish. I mean it’s sad, everything…” Essien also stated.