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Sports News of Saturday, 1 September 2018

Source: ghanasoccernet.com

Afriyie Acquah delighted to have chosen Empoli

Acquah excelled on his debut in their 2-0 win over Cagliari Acquah excelled on his debut in their 2-0 win over Cagliari

Ghana midfielder Afriyie Acquah is delighted to have signed for Empoli in the summer.

Acquah joined the newly promoted Serie A side on a season-long loan deal from Torino on the final day of the Italian transfer window.

His position in the team came under the spotlight after the Granata acquired Roberto Soriano on loan from Spanish side Villareal.

The 26-year-old was linked with a host of English clubs but opted to join the Castellani Stadium outfit after holding talks with Walter Mazzarri over his position in the team.

During the side's pre-match conference ahead of their Sunday's clash against Chievo Verona, Acquah was elated with the decision he took in joining the club ahead of potential suitors.

"I am happy to have chosen Empoli, to have arrived in a team that plays a lot of the ball and that for me is the ideal - said Acquah - In Turin I do not know how much place I would have found and after talking to Mr. Mazzarri I preferred to go in another team to have more space, I was put in front of this possibility and I did not think twice to accept. As I said, I like the way they play and I really enjoy it because it is easier when you keep a lot of the ball than not when you have to work hard to go and get it back."

When was asked of the role that suits him, he said, "My role? - continued the Ghanaian midfielder -In the national team I also played as a director, but in Italy, I always did the half-wing. The coach asks me to attack to go and stay tall, as well as work for the team and help the teammates on the field."

"The first game went well, the second less, but I'm happy with the choice made - concluded Acquah - For our way to play we try to play the game and make the other teams work hard: with Cagliari we did very well, but also with Genoa, despite the result has not arrived, we have done a good race, creating many opportunities but without being able to make them concrete. Chievo? It is a difficult team to deal with, especially in their home, but we have to go on our way, work looking forward: let's go to Verona to play our game and then see what happens."

Acquah excelled on his debut in their 2-0 win over Cagliari a fortnight ago.

He has previously played for Palermo, Parma, Sampdoria and Torino in the Italian top-flight.