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Soccer News of Saturday, 21 February 2009

Source: StepApp

Stephen Back in Brescia for now

The StepApp team can confirm that Ghana Black Stars Captain Stephen Appiah has gone back to his base in Brescia for now.

Stephen who attended a couple of training camps with clubs in England and Russia caught up with the StepApp team to clear up a few rumours and to set the records straight

In a short, honest and open interview for www.stepapp.com he discussed recent events and what he plans to do next

StepApp Team : It’s been a busy 6 weeks for you with all the travelling and the trials. How do you feel now?

Stephen: I feel good and I am very well. I went to England as everyone knows and trained with Tottenham for about 4 weeks. I was supposed to be there for a week but it got extended for various reasons. Then I had another offer from the Russians Champions – Rubin Kazan and started talking to them but that did not materialise.

StepApp Team: Are you able to tell your fans why none of these deals materialised?

Stephen: I CAN definitely say that it wasn’t about my wage demands and both clubs will confirm that. I WASN’T demanding what has been stated in some quarters of the media. My fitness levels were good given that I have been injured and out of the game for over 18months. However those deals with Tottenham & Rubin didn’t materialise and I have to move on.

StepApp Team: You had a brilliant game for the Black Stars against Egypt last week. In fact you scored one and created the other Stars goal. How do you feel about that?

Stephen: Yes I had a good game. Overall I was happy with my performance and the team’s performance. Egypt are African Champions and we nearly beat them in their own backyard. They had to equalise to draw the game and for me that is a good achievement. It shows we are no pushovers

StepApp Team: Did you suffer any ill effects after the game bearing in mind you don’t play regularly like your other team mates

Stephen: No, none at all. I was fine after the game and it’s similar to when I trained with Tottenham. I played some trial games and went training with the main squad the next day. You know I never give up and I am always ever ready the next day after games

StepApp Team: The Black Stars will start the World Cup qualifiers next month. Are you ready to be part of that?

Stephen: I am always ready to answer the Black Stars call. I am fully aware that I am not playing like some of the other guys and if the coach decides to field them ahead of me I will understand it totally. After all it’s only fair that the team is picked on form and not because of ones name. Having said that if the management team decide that Appiah has to start then Appiah will be ready to start or if I have to come off the bench then so be it. At the end of the day we all have to ensure that Ghana qualifies for the 2010 World Cup and the best team is what the coach will be looking to field

StepApp Team: What does the future hold for you now that you are back in Brescia?

Stephen: the future still looks good. Remember am Mr. StepApp and am always looking to go the next level to achieve my aims. I will be carrying on with my training as usual. There are a couple of offers I received which I didn’t consider so I will be exploring them in the coming weeks. I will also be training hard so that if the Black Stars call on me I will be ready. I played the Lesotho and Egypt games for the Stars and I will be looking to help in the upcoming World Cup games as and when called upon.

StepApp Team: Any message for the fans?

Stephen: Thanks for all your support and prayers and don’t give up on me because I will be back. It’s a matter of time. Keep supporting the Black Stars and we will make the 2010 World Cup.

Oh and tell Michael to brush up on his pool game because I will be back for another game. (Stephen beat his good friend Michael Essien 3-2 in a pool game at Michael’s house when he came to London)