I’ve lost a father – Odartey mourns Keshie

Former member of Ghana’s Senior National Team (Black Stars) Nii Odartey Lamptey says he’s saddened by the death of Nigerian football legend Stephen Keshie, who gave him a life as a young man while growing up.

Odartey mourning the one who adopted him as a son while making earnest bid to enter international football on Anopa Kasapa on Kasapa 102.5 FM Wednesday, said beyond the football life he also had very intimate relationship with the deceased- presumably like a father.

“I stayed with him for a minimum of six months and he fed me on daily basis, encouraged me and all that,” he said, adding that Keshie will forever remain in his heart for the support he gave him in life.

“He did a lot for me. My first contract I signed in Europe- Belgium he went with me and signed the contract for me. What he’s done for me I can’t pay him back. I appreciate him a lot,” Odartey mourned the soccer legend.

Keshi died in the early hours of Wednesday in his home state of Benin City at the age of 54.

This shocking news comes just one year after the former international defender who has the envious record of winning the Africa Cup of Nations as player and then a coach, lost his wife Kate after a prolonged battle with cancer.

Many people mourning Keshi’s death say this comes as a shock because there were no signs of illness and has been only recently linked with South African side Orlando Pirates.