Christopher Opoku ‘taken aback’ by Appiah’s retirement

A critic of Black Star’s captain Stephen Appiah says he is surprised by the news of the captain’s retirement.

Appiah announced his retirement over the week-end after 15 years of service to the Black Stars.

Christopher Opoku believes with more playing time with newly promoted Cesena in Italy, the Tonado could cement his position with the Black Stars and was amazed to hear the news of his retirement.

That notwithstanding, the ace journalist and commentator told Joy Sports’ Daniel Oduro, Appiah’s decision must be respected.

He said he was grossly misunderstood in the run up to the World Cup when he stated that Appiah did not deserve a place in the 23 man squad for the World Cup.

According to him, his criticisms of Appiah was nothing personal but purely on football reasons, given that the Tonado had just over 100 minutes of playing time the entire season, a record not deserving of a place in the team.

He admitted though the absence of Stephen Appiah will be felt for a while knowing too well the imposing unifying factor Appiah brings to the team.

He expects the other senior players to take over the impressive legacy left behind by the Stephen Appiah.

Asked if Appiah should be given a place in the back room staff, Opoku said that will be too soon especially when he is in active football for Cesena.

Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana