Players Abroad of Monday, 15 February 2016

Source: ghanasoccernet.com

Derek Asamoah recounts nostalgic feeling, 10 years after Black Stars call-up

Derek Asamoah Derek Asamoah

Veteran Ghanaian striker Derek Asamoah has revealed a sense of nostalgia, ten years after he earned a surprise call-up into the Black Stars.

The 34-year-old was handed a career changing call-up into the Ghana national team in 2006 by former coach Claude Leroy.

The well-traveled man, who currently plays for English lower side Carlisle United, recounts his greatest memory in the Black Stars, playing alongside superstars Michael Essien and Sulley Muntari.

“I was called in to the [Chester City FC] office before the end of the season and they said that I’d been called up to the Ghana national side,” Asamoah told the Chester Chronicle.

“I thought they were winding me up and trying to have a laugh, but it was true. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

“I’d gone from playing in League 2 in England to playing alongside players like [Michael] Essien and [Sulley] Muntari – guys who were superstars.

“I was in and around these guys, training with them [and] learning from them. I thought I was going to have to pinch myself to make sure it was true. You always dream of representing your country but it’s hard to imagine it coming true.”

The former Pohang Steelers attacker managed only four caps with one international goal for Ghana.