Former Black Stars midfielder Michael Essien has opened up on his time with the national teams of Ghana.
The legendary Chelsea midfielder enjoyed a glittering club career but his time with the senior national team has often been criticised, with Ghanaians sighting a lack of commitment to the Black Stars.
Essien made 59 appearances for the Black Stars, scoring nine times and was part of Ghana's maiden team at the FIFA World Cup. The 41-year-old played a pivotal role as Ghana secured their first World Cup qualification in 2006.
The former Chelsea star also played at two Africa Cup of Nations, starring for Ghana at CAN 2008 before picking an injury in his first match at AFCON 2010, ruling him out of the rest of the tournament.
Essien, who now works as assistant coach at FC Nordsjaelland, remains one of the few players to have represented Ghana through all the levels.
Meanwhile, the ex-Ghana star is unsure is Ghanaians appreciate what he has done for the country.
''I hope they are. I think I am one of the few players to have gone through every age category, represented the country at those levels and succeeded so I hope they are (appreciative of his service to the country,'' Essien told Joy Sports.