Sulley Muntari has moved to reassure Ghana fans that he is not quitting the Black Stars after local reports claimed that he had taken such a decision.
The Inter Milan midfielder had been reported to have considered ending his career with the senior national team following an off field incident last Sunday before Ghana played Benin in a 2010 World Cup qualifying match at the Baba Yara Stadium.
An incident at the stadium involving the Sulley’s fiancée, Menaye Donkor and the Police has received a major spin drawing harsh criticisms for the player.
Sulley says it was unfortunate that such an incident occurred some minutes before kickoff but is saddened by the twist given the matter.
The incident which happened as the player’s partner attempted to locate her seat in the stands before kickoff at the pressbox area of the Stadium has been reported by the media to have occurred near the dressing room of the Black Stars with assertions that the lady attempted to gain entry.
The Inter Milan star is reported by some sections of the local media to have demanded an apology from the President of the FA and also threatened to quit playing for the national team due the incident involving the partner.
But in a personal statement released to www.ghanafa.org, Sulley has categorically denied such reports.
“I have no desire to quit the national team. Playing for my country brings me joy and also helps to put smiles on the faces of lots of people. That feeling alone drives me to give off my best whenever I pull on the national shirt,” Muntari’s statement read.
“Events off the pitch at the Baba Yara Stadium before the game with Benin last Sunday, March 29, 2009 has taken away the shine of our good start to the World Cup campaign. But I trust the professionalism of the authorities handling the issue.
“Let’s all be calm and appreciate each other. I would like to thank the supporters and the people of Ghana who have made my family and I feel so special. Ghana is a special place and I pride myself to be called a Ghanaian.”
Sulley who set up Ghana's opening goal with a perfect cross in the 1-0 win over Benin in the joint 2010 African Nations Cup and World Cup qualifying has pledged his commitment to the nation.
Read full statement below
I have no desire to quit the national team. Playing for my country brings me joy and also helps to put smiles on the faces of lots of people. That feeling alone drives me to give off my best whenever I pull on the national shirt.
Ghana has been an integral part in my formative years as a footballer and I enjoy tremendous support from the people which has helped me reach this level of my career.
I have fond memories of my days with the junior national teams and more especially Ghana’s debut at the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Aside the personal satisfaction, the smiles on the faces of the fans will never be forgotten.
It’s my desire and also that of my colleagues to relive that special feeling again as we try to qualify Ghana to the 2010 World Cup.
Events off the pitch at the Baba Yara Stadium before the game with Benin last Sunday, March 29, 2009 has taken away the shine of our good start to the World Cup campaign. But I trust the professionalism of the authorities handling the issue.
Let’s all be calm and appreciate each other. I would like to thank the supporters and the people of Ghana who have made my family and I feel so special. Ghana is a special place and I pride myself to be called a Ghanaian.
For the rest of the campaign I will continue to give 100% to my coach, team-mates and fans as I believe that the Black Stars will bring its supporters the success they truly deserve.
Signed by Sulley Muntari