Foreign Based players are more respected - Ibrahim

Razak Ibrahim, a member of the Black Satellites has said although much is being done to improve football in the local scene, playing in Europe is still the best.

"Those who play in Europe are more respected than our local counterparts."

He said much as they would love to stay in Ghana and enjoy local dishes and the warm weather, they are compelled to leave not just for monetary gains, but also because the best facilities are found there,' he added.

In an interview with the GNA in Accra on Tuesday, the 18 year-old said the only difference between the local players and the foreign ones are their good facilities and good salaries, which always put them ahead of those in Africa.

He said apart from Goldfields and Dawu Youngsters, who have managed to get their own stadiums, a club like Hearts of Oak still lacks a good training field despite its 89 years of existence.

Playing in mid-field, Razak described his year's stay at Empoli as challenging.

'Being the only African among them, I worked hard to earn more respect as an African and in so doing I have become the number one among my teammates.

Razak said his dedication and hard work earned him promotion to the senior side in June, this year.

He expressed the desire to renew his contract when it expires next year.

A member of the 1999 Starlet squad, he said he is ever prepared to honour invitations to play for his nation.

He advised young players to maintain discipline, which he said most them lack.

Asked about his plans for the future, Razak declared, "I have no immediate plans, but since I am still young and strong, I think I will continue playing and leave the rest to God."