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Opinions of Friday, 17 June 2016

Columnist: Prince Botwe

Letter to Sulley Ali Muntari

Sulley Ali Muntari Sulley Ali Muntari

Dear Muntari,

There is no iota of doubt that you are a fine and excellent player.

In fact your contributions to the Black Stars cannot be overlooked. That is why even in your stubbornness you are tolerated just like Balotelli.

You posses the attribute of an excellent player. I recall the goal you scored against Cech Republic in the 2006 World Cup held in Germany. Brilliant goal it was.

However, your effort has virtually won nothing for the nation not even a tea cup, rather, it has been to your benefit.

Your success as a player started with the national team. Perhaps, reminding you will be of immense help.

At the age of 16, you were invited to play for Ghana under-20 team that finished runners-up at the 2001 FIFA World Youth Championship in Argentina.

That was the genesis of your football career.

As if that was not enough, you were invited to play in the country's first ever World Cup appearance at Germany 2006.

Interestingly, the tournament shot you into the lime light and that was enough to earn you a place at Bourthmouth.

Again, you were given the opportunity to play in both the 2010 and 2014 world cup respectively. These opportunities gave you the nod to feature for big teams such as Inter Milan, Sunderland, AC Milan and your current club and even won trophies with some of these teams.

The core mandate of every professional footballer is to win trophies for both your country and club.

Unfortunately, in future when your name is mentioned as far as Ghana is concerned, you have nothing to show forth.

People usually see how fragile countries like Portugal and Argentina become when Ronaldo and Messi when they are missing in action. In other words, your absence from the Black Stars has not be felt at all. At least, the current crop of players are showing class and hope for a trophy.

Fortunately for you , your apology has been gladly accepted by Ghanaians. A hall mark of the prodigal son. But to play for the Black Stars is going to be very difficult. Why? Because we have seen players apologise and do things which are diabolic than before. An epitome of what I'm talking about is your good friend and former teammate Kelvin Prince Boateng.

Coming back to the Black Stars isn't going to help things since the Black Stars are already suffering from a reduction in fan support. Which pundits refer to as "supporters syndrome". Hence the situation will worsen when you are called back.

Moreover, don't you think Ghanaians have seen enough of you? It is now the chance for the likes of Mubarack Wakaso, Kwadwo Asamoah, Jeffery schlupp, Frank Acheampong and Andre Ayew to show what they are capable of doing.

Your presence is even going to bring confusion in the camp. Clearly, you will be the senior player in the camp which makes you a leader of the young players.

It means that in the absence of Asamoah Gyan, you should be the deputy captain, but here is the case where Ayew has been made the deputy skipper.

This, I believe is going to spark controversy among Ghanaians and before you realise the team is divided. But do you even know that you are suppose to go to the High Court to formalise certain things before you will be given the opportunity to play.

Thus if Coach Avram Grant decides to overlook the repercussions and goes ahead to invites you, this is something you must address? Well, that is the mess you have put yourself in.

My little advice is to stay away from the Black Stars because your apology is enough to placate Ghanaians of what you referred to in your letter as "embarrassment to the nation". If you insist, I believe the pain you will cause the team is going to be enormous.

Finally, I heard you scored during Joseph Yobo's ceremonial match. The question is, do you think you will enjoy the same support like you saw in Nigeria during your ceremonial match? Ghana deserves better!!!

Yours Faithfully

Signed

Concerned Citizens