Ex-Ghana captain C K Akonnor says local football fans should not rain insults on Michael Essien for prolonging his much-awaited return to the national team.<\/p>\n
The 27-year-old has come under barrage of criticisms following his decision to put his international career on hold.<\/p>\n
There were widespread reports that he was due to return for Ghana\u2019s double header next month; a 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Congo Brazzaville and an exhibition against England at Wembley.<\/p>\n
Akonnor reckons the Chelsea ace will bounce back a better person and called on local soccer fans to respect his decision.<\/p>\n
\u201cInasmuch as it would have been nice to have him back as soon as possible, it\u2019s also important we understand that the young man has gone through a lot and therefore needs our cooperation and support,\u201d Akonnor said.<\/p>\n
\u2018He is a very important player for the Black Stars and so it\u2019s crucial we allow him space and time to sort out whatever issues he has. I believe he\u2019ll come back to the team a better person and help the team win more laurels.\u201d<\/p>\n
Essien last played for Ghana at the 2010 Nations Cup in Angola where he suffered a horrific injury that kept him out of action for six months.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Ex-Ghana captain C K Akonnor says local football fans should not rain insults on Michael Essien for prolonging his much-awaited return to the national team. The 27-year-old has come under barrage of criticisms following his decision to put his international career on hold. There were widespread reports that he was due to return for Ghana\u2019s […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-276694","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard"],"yoast_head":"\n