Dutch-born defender Jeremie Frimpong has revealed that Ghanaian football legend Michael Essien was his inspiration growing up.
“I idolized Michael Essien growing up, seeing what he achieved at Chelsea, Real Madrid, and with the national team,” Frimpong shared in an interview with 3Sports.
The Bayer Leverkusen star, who is of Ghanaian heritage, also expressed admiration for other Black Stars players. “I also liked Christian Atsu and the Ayew brothers. Watching the 2010 World Cup made me fall in love with Ghana because the players gave their all,” he added.
Essien is widely regarded as one of the greatest players to represent the Black Stars. The former Chelsea and Real Madrid midfielder played a pivotal role in Ghana’s qualification for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, the country’s first appearance at the global tournament. He also contributed significantly to their campaigns in the 2010 and 2014 World Cups. Essien earned 59 caps for Ghana during his illustrious international career.
Frimpong, currently enjoying his Christmas holidays in Ghana, is one of the rising stars in European football.
