James Essien, the father of Black Stars midfielder Michael Essien will be buried at his hometown of Agona Odoben in the Central Region on Saturday November 9.

James, who played for Accra Hearts of Oak, had a particular passion for Ghana football and his death is a loss to Ghana football. James Essien passed away on September 2 in his native country after battling illness for months.

The funeral will attract his son Michael Essien and his close friends and other dignitaries from government and the football fraternity.

It is rumoured that Michael Essien had a good relationship with his father until one Dela Ackumey persuaded his father in signing some documents that had dragged the football star to the law courts.

The Case is still in the law courts and sources say,the football star has so far spent millions of dollars in this legal battle.

Michael Essien’s father is reported to have told a close friend that “One of his biggest mistakes ever was to sign the documents brought to him by Dela Ackumey that had landed his son into this legal battle.This put a strain on their relationship and a huge publicity on the matter until Michael Essien forgave his father.It is also the prayer of the father that the legal battle will also end soon,a close source to the father revealed.

Michael Essien has been constant touch with the father until the man passed away.