Former Ghanaian international and Chelsea legend, Michael Essien, has reflected on his football career, revealing that he holds no grudges despite suffering some of his most devastating injuries while playing for the Black Stars. In an exclusive interview with Joy Sports’ Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo, Essien shared his perspective on the setbacks that threatened to derail his career and his unwavering pride in representing his country on the global stage.
Essien, who earned 59 caps for Ghana between 2002 and 2014, was a key figure in the country’s footballing successes, including leading Ghana to a third-place finish at the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on home soil and representing the nation in two World Cups. However, his international career was also marred by a series of significant injuries that curtailed his appearances for the national team.
The first of these injuries occurred during a friendly against Senegal in August 2007 in London, marking the beginning of Essien’s long battle with knee problems. Just a year later, during another international friendly in September 2008, Essien ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)—an injury that sidelined him for much of the UEFA Champions League group stage that season.
Despite these setbacks, Essien remains philosophical about the challenges he faced. “Most of my bad injuries happened when I was playing for the Black Stars, but who cares? It happens,” he told Joy Sports. “I was just unlucky, and injuries are part of the game. We just have to deal with it.”
Essien’s injury woes continued two years later at the AFCON in Angola, where he sustained what was initially thought to be a hamstring issue during training. Subsequent scans revealed a partially torn medial collateral ligament in his left knee, along with damage to his meniscus, forcing him to miss crucial matches and further limiting his playing time for Ghana.
Despite what could have been career-ending injuries for many players, Essien remained resolute and optimistic. “I have no regrets,” he said. “I think I had quite a decent career, and I always look at the positive side of every situation.”
His resilience and ability to bounce back from adversity have earned him admiration not only in Ghana but across the world, particularly during his illustrious club career with Chelsea, where he became known as “The Bison” for his powerful midfield presence.
Although many believe Michael Essien could have achieved even more for the Black Stars had he remained injury-free, his contributions to Ghanaian football are undeniable. His nine goals in 59 appearances, his leadership on and off the pitch, and his role in helping Ghana qualify for the 2006 World Cup—their first-ever appearance at the tournament—have cemented his status as one of the nation’s greatest players.
Essien’s ability to maintain his humility and positive outlook despite the challenges he faced is a testament to his character. “If there are no injuries, maybe others won’t get opportunities, so it’s part of it,” he reflected, showing no ill feelings about the circumstances that shaped his international career.
As Essien transitions from his playing days to his role as a coach at FC Nordsjaelland in Denmark, his story serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of football careers. Injuries may have altered the trajectory of his international career, but they did little to diminish his accomplishments. With two World Cups and numerous trophies at club level under his belt, Michael Essien leaves behind a legacy of resilience, determination, and unwavering pride in representing his country.
https://www.myjoyonline.com/my-worst-injuries-happened-with-the-black-stars-essien/
