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GFA
to give up on Italian-born midfielder
Mario Balotelli Barwuah
Accra, Feb 26, Ghanadot/GNA – The
Ghana Football Association (GFA) is considering giving-up
the chase on Italian-born midfielder Mario Balotelli Barwuah.
Balotelli, who turns 18 in August, has turned down several
invitations to feature for the senior national team, the
Black Stars including the just ended Ghana 2008 Africa Cup
of Nations.
Kwesi Nyantakyi, President of the GFA on Tuesday announced
the displeasure of the Association in the continuous chase
of the Inter Milan striker, rated as one of the best young
players in Europe and the world.
He said the player was keen on playing for the Azzuris, the
Italian national team and had said so publicly despite
several overtures made to him to change his stance.
“He has indicated he wants to play for Italy, and that makes
it impossible for him to play for Ghana.”
Nyantakyi reiterated his outfit’s policy to cast its net
wider towards encouraging players with Ghanaian roots, born
outside Ghana or living abroad to play for any of the
Ghanaian national teams.
He lauded Quincy Owusu-Abeyie for justifying his inclusion
in the team for the Nations Cup, describing him as a great
success during the tournament.
“Coach Claude le Roy has mentioned Danny Welbeck of
Manchester United, who played for England at the U-17 World
Cup in Korea to us.”
Abeyie, who had played for the Netherlands at the U-20 level
was cleared by FIFA on the eve of the January 10 deadline
for the submission of squad lists for the Ghana 2008 Africa
Cup of Nations.
Balotelli born to Ghanaian parents in Palermo, Italy was
entrusted to the Balotelli family by the Court of Brescia at
the age of three.
GNA
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