Wilberforce Mfum, a legendary member of the Black Stars, has explained how he gives America credit for the comfortable life he currently enjoys.
The football great claims that he will always be grateful for ignoring a military order and leaving Ghana to play football in the United States because of the advantages it brought to his life and the current status of some of his friends who made the sacrifice to remain in Ghana.
“I always ask myself, if not for America, where would I be today. So even though I am in Ghana, anytime I finish eating, I say God bless America,” he said in an interview posted by Saddick Adam.
Wilberforce Mfum gained the nickname Mfum 'atete' (has torn) a net throughout his playing career for his rocket shots that once tore through a goal net.
He disobeyed a military government decree in 1967 and fled Ghana clandestinely to pursue a club football career in the United States.
He claims that despite the condition of some of his colleagues and the manner in which they passed away, he has never regretted his choice.
Mfum participated in the 1964 Summer Olympics as a member of the Ghana Olympic football squad. He also participated in football for the Ghanaian national team. He led Ghana to victory in the 1963 African Cup of Nations final with two goals scored.