Bayer Leverkusen defender Jeremie Frimpong shared his excitement upon arriving in Ghana for the first time on Sunday night, beginning a one-week holiday.
The 23-year-old Netherlands international received a warm welcome at Kotoka International Airport as he embarked on this long-awaited visit. Although born in the Netherlands, Frimpong’s parents are Ghanaian, and he had previously expressed his desire to visit Ghana after Bayer Leverkusen’s Champions League victory over Inter Milan in early December.
Upon his arrival, Frimpong spoke to reporters about his strong connection to Ghana:
“Amazing. To come to this welcoming atmosphere for the first time, amazing. This is my people. I’m so happy to see everybody; I’m so happy to be in Ghana.”
Frimpong went on to explain how he has always felt deeply connected to the country, despite growing up outside of it:
“I’ve always been connected to my Ghanaian roots. Both my parents are Ghanaian, I eat Ghanaian food, I speak the language, so I feel like I’ve always been connected, but obviously being here makes it extra special.”
The visit, he said, holds even greater significance because of his heritage:
“I have to come to Ghana; this is where I am from. My blood is Ghanaian blood, so for sure I had to come here one day, and this is the right time to come.”
Frimpong’s arrival in Ghana marks an important milestone in his personal journey, where he continues to celebrate his Ghanaian heritage while excelling at the highest level in European football.
