Kwadwo Asamoah cannot risk being away for a month at Juventus for the Black Stars, having been on sidelines for 2 years as a result of a knee injury
While some players sought to be included in the much sought after squad for the 2017 African Cup of Nations, others turned down the offer to be included. Ghana midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah who happens to be one (if not the only one) of them, has revealed his reasons for doing so. The midfielder has explained he turned down the ultimate offer to be able to stay back to help his Italian side Juventus.
According to reports, Kwadwo Asamoah has been on the sidelines for two years as a result of niggling knee injury and only returned to full fitness a couple of months ago. Having been away for two years, Asamoah could not spare a month away playing for Ghana in the African tournament, as it could hurt his chances of gaining a place in Juventus.
According to Asamoah it was a difficult decision for him to take as key members of the team such as head coach Avram Grant and Kwesi Nyantakyi had begged him to be part of the team.
Speaking in an interview with JTV, Kwadwo talked about how much he wanted to be part of the AFCON 2017 squad, but cannot because of the circumstances beyond his control. The 28-year-old explained said he needs to train and play as much as possible, while the uncertainty over his full recovery from injury lingers.
The Black Stars who finished up as runners-up at the last edition of AFCON, have been drawn in a tough Group D along with Egypt, Uganda and Mali in the January 14 -February 5 tournament. They will take on Uganda in their opening Group D game and subsequently on Egypt and Mali, in their subsequent games.
Asamoah’s absence from the team has been met with mixed reactions on the media. While some have interpreted it to be a manifestation of his lost interest in the Black Stars; others have been sympathetic to his cause, considering the fact that the injuries could have ended his career and also that staying away could damage his chances at Juventus.
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