Brighton and Hove Albion defender, Tariq Lamptey has revealed that he is in Ghana to spend time with his family and watch the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] qualifiers between Black Stars and Madagascar in Cape Coast.
The former Chelsea right-back arrived in the West African country on Monday morning for the holidays.
“I am already enjoying it so far. It feels good to be back, it’s nice and hot. There is some good food and I am enjoying that,” Lamptey told Joy Sports.
“To be honest, I just came back for holiday. It’s been a good but long season so I just came to get some rest, some sun – I’ve come to see some family and friends that I have not seen for a while. I’m taking this opportunity just to relax and whine down after a long season,” he added.
He further highlighted why he decided to come down to participate in his charity works in Ghana.
“Yeah, I have. Obviously, the charity work I have been doing for several years with the support of some very important and trusted people. So I am just here to try and for the first time get my hands on it and do it in person. It is really close to my heart and I’m looking forward to meeting the people and hopefully having a good day,” he said.
When quizzed about the possibility of a nationality switch to play for the Black Stars, the 21-year-old said he is in Ghana just to “relax” and has nothing to do with football matters.
“The season is finished now. It’s been a long, good season. I just came just to relax, just to try and do some charity work and see how the foundation is doing, see some family and friends, and not think about football too much. Maybe, I know the game is on so if I have the chance to go and watch that will be good but not too much football other than that, just try and relax and do one or two things that I came here to do,” he concluded.
In 2020, Lamptey donated jerseys and other football apparel to kids in Nuaso near Odumase Krobo in the Eastern Region of Ghana through the Tariq Lamptey Foundation and will be doing the same this year.