Sports News of Saturday, 1 July 2017
Source: ghanaweb.com
2017-07-01
Welbeck joined Arsenal in September 2014
These are the seventeen important facts you have to know about Danny Welbeck, the Three Lions star of Ghanaian decent who is currently on vacation in Ghana.
1. Born on 26th November, 1990, Daniel Nii Tackie Mensah Welbeck lived all his life in Manchester where he was birthed. He turns 27 in November 2017.
2. Welbeck’s father hails from the Greater Accra region of Ghana and his mother from Nkawie in the Ashanti region.
3. Welbeck was first spotted by the Manchester United team when he was a six. His impressive skills exhibited during his time with local side Fletcher Moss landed him a spot in the Manchester United youth academy.
4. Welbeck joined United during the 2005/06 season, making his debut for the club’s Under-18 side in a league match against Sunderland, he also made his England Under-16s debut as a 14-year-old in October 2005 against Wales.
5. On 22 August, Welbeck scored his first Premier League goal against Tottenham Hotspur after featuring in the Senior team.
6. On 18 November 2008, the Ghana Football Association approached Welbeck to switch nationality and play for the Ghana national team subsequently.
Black Stars Coach Kwesi Appiah met Welbeck in England
7. Welbeck’s memorable career was highlighted in 2011 when he teamed up with Black Stars trio Asamoah Gyan, Sulley Muntari and John Mensah at Sunderland on loan.
Asamoah Gyan joins Welbeck to celebrate his goal
8. After several attempts by the three players to convince Danny to join the four time African Champions, he refused to give in just like Mario Ballotelli who was also convinced severally by Muntari to naturalize for Ghana during their stay at Internazional.
9. The interesting fact about Welbeck was unveiled on 29 March 2011 when he was called up to the England Senior National team for their friendly fixture against his own country Ghana. Danny replaced Ashley Young in the 81st minute of a 1–1 draw with Ghana at Wembley Stadium. Asamoah Gyan equalized for Ghana after Andy Carrol scored earlier
Danny missed the opportunity to put England in the lead
After the game Welbeck said in an interview that’It was a bittersweet moment. I’ve got love for both countries but I can’t play for both,’ he said.
‘I kind of understand that (the boos) but I can’t make everyone happy.
‘I’ve been playing for England at every single youth team level so it was a natural progression to move up to the seniors.I am obviously delighted with my progress.’
10. Welbeck joined Arsenal in September 2014, on a “long-term deal” for a £16 million fee after reports emerged that former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal said “Welbeck doesn’t have the record of Robin van Persie or Wayne Rooney.
11. As one of the few black players to represent for England, Welbeck has played in two major international competitions; the 2012 European Championship and the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
12. The former ‘Red-Devil’ player has won eight trophies; 6 with Manchester United and 2 with Arsenal.
Flashback when Manchester United won the League in 2008/09
He won two Premier League’s, FIFA Club World Cup, 2 Football League Cups and 2 FA Community Shields with Manchester United. He won the FA cup with Arsenal on two occasions; 2014–15 and 2016–17.
13. After his impressive season in 2007-08, Danny won the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year, an accolade decorated for the Most Outstanding Manchester United Young Player.
14. Danny Welbeck played in 142 games and scored 29 goals for Manchester United
15. He has since scored 17 goals in 69 appearances for the Gunners.
16. Welbeck has made two appearances and scored two goals in the UEFA Champions League and also made three appearances in the UEFA Europa League.
Watch England vrs Ghana below;
