Michael Essien Officially Announces Retirement From International Football

Legendary Chelsea and Black Stars former midfielder. Michael Essien officially announced his retirement from international football. This is four years after playing his last game for the Stars.

Furthermore, Essien told Gh One Tv that he’s done with the team. Moreover, even if he receives a call-up in the future he’s not going to honour it.

Essien played for the Stars for over 12 years. Also he was an integral part of Ghana’s first two world cup campaigns in Germany and South Africa.

However, everything went to hell in 2014 when together with Sulley Muntari and Kevin-Prince Boateng, they agitated for the players to be paid what was owed them and ended up being exiled from the team.

Since that tournament, Essien has yet to play for the team and he maintains even a call-up can’t bring him back.

Michael Essien on retiring and the Black Stars

“If I am called to play for the Black Stars again I won’t honour it. No, it’s not possible.” 

“This is because I’ve retired from international duty. I even retired before we went to the World Cup in Brazil but I was called back [by coach Kwesi Appiah] to come and help.

“And then in Brazil they treated me like [something] so I’m not playing for the country again. It’s time for the new generation.”

Essien played 59 games for the Stars between 2002 and 2014, scoring 9 goals.