Essien doesn't want Black Stars captaincy - fully backs Gyan to lead Ghana

Published on: 28 August 2013
Essien doesn't want Black Stars captaincy - fully backs Gyan to lead Ghana
Michael Essien has given his full backing to Asamoah Gyan

Michael Essien is not interested in becoming Ghana's captain insisting he fully supports Asamoah Gyan to lead the West African giants to glory as he ends his exile from international football.

The 30-year-old who has not played for the Black Stars since 2011 has returned to face Zambia in the all-important 2014 World Cup qualifier early next month.

Essien is capped 59 times by Ghana and he is one of the few senior players left around and local fans have questioned why the midfield powerhouse was overlooked for the Ghana captaincy.

Concerns have also been raised as to whether the former Real Madrid midfielder will give his backing to Gyan who was confirmed substantive captain of the four time African champions in 2012.

But Chelsea man wants to remain focused on helping the West African giants reach Brazil 2014 and has given his backing to Gyan.

"He [Essien] is not interested in the Ghana captaincy. He is focused on helping the Black Stars on his return and wants to see the team qualify for Brazil," a source close to Essien told GHANAsoccernet.com.

Essien is expected to anchor the Ghana midfielder along with AC Milan's Kevin-Prince Boateng and Kwadwo Asamoah who plays for Juventus.

The Ghana Football Association has insisted all senior players in the squad were consulted before the captaincy was handed over to the former Sunderland striker who has scored 37 times for Ghana.

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