Mohammed Salisu’s family have issued a statement debunking reports that their ward does not want to represent Ghana at international level.
Salisu, who is reported to be on the verge of joining Southampton, is yet to play for any of Ghana’s national teams.
The 21-year-old was handed a call-up for the West African giants for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against South Africa and Sao Tome and Principe.
He however withdrew from the squad at the last moment citing injury as the reason.
But a section of local football connoisseurs believe the youngster has his sights firmly fixed on earning a call-up into the Spanish senior national team.
On Tuesday, Black Stars coach Charles Akonnor hinted that speculation about him angling to play for the Spanish national team could be true after several efforts to reach the youngster to play for the West African giants proved futile.
However, the player’s family have released a long statement rejecting the notion that the Real Valladolid defender does not want to play for the four-time Africa champions.
“The family of Abdul Karim Salisu Mohammed wish to correct and clarify news gaining momentum in some media circles which seems to suggest that our son has rejected the opportunity to play for the senior national team, the Black Stars.”
“We further wish to state unequivocally that our son is a proud Ghanaian and very ready to represent Ghana at every level and time. He is so much enthused to be associated with the Black Stars since it has been his dream to play for Ghana at the highest level.”
“However, we have received media reports on the contrary and it is really disturbing that journalists failed to ascertain the truth of his absence from national duties.”
“Salisu was indeed invited to play for the South Africa and São Tomé games for the African Cup qualification but he was slightly injured then. He did not want to represent his beloved country with a hidden injury.”
“Again, Salisu availed himself for call ups into the junior national teams but he got those invitations at an unfavorable time of his career in Spain.”
“It is our wish that in subsequent matches of the Black Stars, our son will be available and represent the country.”
“We hope this statement will put to rest the numerous media conjectures and unproductive rumors which is geared at creating dissatisfaction by Ghanaians against our son. Salisu Mohammed is committed to the course of helping Ghana win an African Cup and qualification to the World Cup once again.”
Thank you.
Family of Abdul Karim Salisu Mohammed.