A leading Italian diplomat has launched an angry attack at his country's decision to cap Ghana-born striker Kelvin Yeboah insisting 'ethically it isn’t right'.
Massimiliano Colasuonno Taricone's scathing riposte came just after Ghanasoccernet.com revealed that the Austria-based attacker has been called up by the Italian U21.
The Strum Graz striker's call-up by the Italy youth side came despite being named by the senior national team of Ghana for the first time to play in the upcoming 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia and South Africa next month.
The Consulate of the Republic Of Ghana implied that European countries are stealing football talents of African countries under the guise of assimilation, insisting youngsters must play for Africa.
"I’m very happy for Kelvin it’s a great honour to be part of such glorious national team @vivoazzurro ??," the Italian with many years of living in Ghana said in an emotional response to the Ghanasoccernet.com report.
"On the other hand I am sad for my country @ghanafaofficial ?? . Too many young African talents go to play in Europe and are then assimilated.Ethically isn’t right #Play4Africa." Ambassador Taricone wrote.
Yeboah, striker of SK Sturm Graz, was called up to the U21 squad of the Italian national team on Friday, one week after Ghana coach Charles Akonnor named him in the Black Stars squad.
The 21-year-old was born in Accra and would have had the opportunity to play for Ghana.
Since he also has Italian citizenship, Italy's U21 coach Paolo Nicolato was able to call up the striker.
I’m very happy for Kelvin it’s a great honour to be part of such glorious national team @vivoazzurro ??on the other hand I am sad for my country @ghanafaofficial ??too many young African talents go to play in Europe and are then assimilated.Ethically isn’t right #Play4Africa https://t.co/YWzfVEws1J
— Console del Ghana (@consoleghana) August 28, 2021
The Italians will qualify for the 2023 European Under-21 Championship against Montenegro and Luxembourg.
Yeboah's uncle, Anthony Yeboah, played for the Ghanaian national team and scored 26 goals in 59 games.