Former Ghana Football Association vice president Fred Pappoe has named Michael Essien as the greatest Ghanaian footballer of all time.
Essien, who is known as the Bison, started his career at Liberty Professionals, rose to the top of European football after featuring for Stade Brestois 29 and Olympique Lyonnais.
He later joined Chelsea FC, where he enjoyed the best years of his career, winning major trophies and becoming one of the top midfielders of his generation. Essien also played for Real Madrid and AC Milan.
In an interview with Sporty FM, Pappoe explained why Essien stands above the rest.
“I will say Michael Essien. Looking at how he rose and the clubs he played for, they are incredible and the impact he made,” he said.
“Even though his days with the national team were up and down for me, it would be Essien.”
Pappoe also praised Asamoah Gyan for his goalscoring record, especially at the World Cup.
“Asamoah Gyan was a good goalscorer in terms of the World Cup, and so in terms of goalscoring, Gyan will be my best player, but Essien remains my best player,” he added.
Essien made 59 appearances for Ghana, scoring nine goals and playing at the 2006 and 2014 FIFA World Cups.
He is now in coaching and works as an assistant coach at FC Nordsjælland.
By: Pascal Amoah
