Essien rules himself out of Ghana-England friendly

Published on: 18 February 2011

Ghana midfielder Michael Essien says he will not be available for next month’s friendly against England but he’s confident the Black Stars will win.

This means he will also not play for his country in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Congo which takes place on 26 March.

Coach Goran Stevanovic and Ghana FA boss Kwesi Nyantakyi had hinted that the Chelsea star will play for his country from next month.

This sparked concerns in certain quarters that he is only keen on returning to play in the high profile friendly against England

But Essien insists he will not play in the match scheduled for Wembley on 29 March.

“I will definitely return to the team at some point in the future however it won’t be for the upcoming games,” Essien said on his website.

Despite his absence, Essien says he will be at the Wembley Stadium to support the Black Stars

“Of course I will be there to support the team,” Essien said

“I am a Black Stars supporter like any other player or Ghanaian so I will be there. Predictions - Ghana to win.”

Essien has not played for the Black Stars since the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations in Angola.

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