IPlc:kssklrJal FootbaIersAssociltionofGhanaG·~ PftOPI!!!IONALF5M8MfERS ASSOCIATION OF (PFAGJ

MEDIA INFORMATION 17THMARCH 2011

The Professional FootbaJJersAssociation of Ghana (PfAG) wishes to state the facts of the matter for the good citizens of this country to understand the context in whichMichael Essien's decision was made.

• has endured lengthy spells on the sidelines in the past two seasons; the serious injuries serving to threaten his career.

• Essien ripped his anterior cruciate liooment in his left knee two seasons ago while playing for Ghana in an AFCON qualification match match in Libya.

• In January 2010, he again bruised the .cartilage and meniscus in the .same joint while training at the African Cup of Nations in .

Michael Essien has had to endure four surgeries to get back to match-fltness.Aslde the physical effects of staying out of active football for 8 months, the injuries have also had a psychological effect on the player. Looking at the factors that informed the player's decision to take a break from international duties, we can oniy sympathize with the player and at the same time we would iike to appeal to aii the person's concerned to allow him to choose his date of return to the Black Stars.Lets remember the Michael Essien who made us proud together with Stephan Appiah .,, , and his other team mates during 2006 and CAN 2008

We .the Professional Footballers Association of Ghana are very confident that he will soon be back in action for his dear nation Ghana.

Indeed, Essien through an official statement has promised to rejoin his Black Stars team mates at some point in the future; hence his commitment to the Black Stars is unquestionable. The PFAG- represented by his Board Members- Anthony Yeboah, Anthony Baffoe,Augustine Arhinful, Kwasi Appiah, Kwame Ayew, Sammy Kuffuor ,Captain Stephan Appiah~Richard KinBson, Marcel Desailly and others would like to state our support for Michael Essien

We welcome the decision of Mr. Kwasi Nyantakyi-President of the Ghana Football Association-to meet with Michael Essien in . We are confident that such a meeting would clear up any doubts about Michael Essien's absence from the Black Stars

PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALLERSASSOCIATION OF GHANA (PFAG) ProressionaI F~~CRAGHANA AssociationofGhala

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