Newcastle and Black Stars winger Christian Atsu says the current Black Stars players are not motivated by money contrary to Ghanaians mentality.
Ghana is chasing its fifth AFCON trophy after booking qualification to the quarter-finals of the competition after their 1-0 second Group D victory over Mali on Saturday.
The Black Stars players have come under intense criticisms following their Brazil 2014 World Cup debacle.
Speaking to the media ahead of Ghana’s final group D fixture against Egypt in Port Gentil, Atsu insisted money plays less role in the players focus and approach to a game they play for the country.
“We want to win something for Ghana. We have been in this competition for long and always go home without that cup,” said Atsu
“Ghanaians are not happy. We are determined to win this cup and it has nothing to do with money.
“With or without money, we will do our best to win the cup for Ghana”. Atsu noted.
“We play we deserved to be paid because its our profession. The state will not take care of us when we go on pension.
“So what ever is due us must given to us. But we are not saying without the money we will not play for the country.
The Newcastle winger added “Money is secondary. All we want to do here is to win the competition for Ghanaians to be happy.”
Christian Atsu was adjudged as Man of the Match when Ghana beat the Cranes of Uganda 1-0 Ghana’s Group D opener.