Sports News of Wednesday, 8 May 2024

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

I pledged loyalty to Hearts only to be sacked unexpectedly - Ex-striker Obeng Jnr. narrates

Former Hearts of Oak player Kwadwo Obeng Junior Former Hearts of Oak player Kwadwo Obeng Junior

Former Hearts of Oak player Kwadwo Obeng Junior has shared the disappointing treatment he experienced at Hearts despite showing loyalty.

The striker narrated that out of respect and love for the Phobians, he turned down offers from foreign clubs to focus on the 24-time Ghana Premier League champions.

Speaking with Vision FM, he revealed that the club paid him back distastefully by offloading him without notice and for no substantial reason.

"I had offers from foreign clubs but because I respect Hearts, I told them they shouldn't engage them (interested clubs). But unexpectedly, without committing an offence, I got sidelined. If I was the problem, I'd understand and leave. Even with that, those they recruited have bigger problems than me."

Despite being pained, he said he has accepted the exit in good faith because he felt fulfilled after winning six titles with the club.

"I have accepted it because I've paid my dues to the club. After going 11 years without a trophy, I won six trophies with them. So I have paid my dues."

The former Nea Salamina player urged Hearts of Oak's board to handle player exits better to avoid players feeling bitter about the club.

"My advice to the board is that if they want to offload a player, they should do it properly so the player can leave in peace. In that way, the remaining squad will get lucky."

"I was the only one who had a problem. Galdson Awako and the likes took their issues with the club to court. We all started the season but got offloaded in the second round, now look at what is happening to them. We are quietly watching, but we don't want their downfall," he added.

Kwadwo Obeng Junior joined Hearts of Oak in 2018 on an initial loan deal before his contract was made permanent.

He spent six years at the club, winning six honours including the Ghana Premier League, Super Cup, two FA Cups, and two President's Cups.

EE/MA