Sulley Muntari’s suspension has lasted for over three years now, but the midfielder has high hopes for a return to the national team.
Ghanaian international footballer, Sulley Muntari was suspended from the Ghana national team after reportedly assaulting a member of the Black Stars management committee during the 2014 Brazil World Cup Tournament, over issues of unpaid bonuses.
The midefielder who currently plays for Pescara FC, was suspended by the Ghana Football Association (GFA), alongside teammate Kevin-Prince Boateng who also verbally abused then Black Stars Coach, Kwesi Appiah.
The two players were subsequently invited to appear before the 2014 World Cup Commission set up to investigate the matter in Brazil, but they both snubbed the summons, refusing to render apologies for their unacceptable behaviours.
However, two years after Muntari’s suspension, the midfielder sent in an apology letter to the GFA, saying he has regretted his actions. A lot of fans and stakeholders have also pleaded for his return; but their pleas are yet to effect any difference.
During this period of remorse and repentance, Sulley Muntari has said many passionate things about playing for the Black Stars. And BuzzGhana has gathered some of the major ones which really show that the midfielder deserves a second chance with the national team.
In the Letter of Apology from Sulley Muntari to the Ghana Football Association, the Pescara midfielder expressed deep regrets for his actions which he admitted to have caused embarrassment to the national team, the football association and the country at large. A section of the letter reads:
I write to express my sincere apology to the Ghana Football Association and the entire nation for any embarrassment that my action in Brazil brought to the Black Stars Team, the Ghana Football Association and my beloved country Ghana.
I have reflected on what happened and I am deeply sorry and apologize to all the stakeholders in the GFA who were offended by my actions.
Didn’t they say that “to err is human, but to forgive is divine”?
Sulley Muntari in an interview on Starr FM few months ago, recounted how he enjoyed playing for the Black Stars.
I always enjoyed playing for the National team and as you know, it is an honour playing for your National team…
It is believed that one enjoys only what he does well. So why not another chance for Sulley to play the game he loves, for the people he loves playing it for?
Since after Muntari’s suspension from the Black Stars, the player has revealed that he not only enjoyed playing for the team, but also missed playing for the nation. Speaking to Starr Fm’s Bola Ray in June, Muntari said these very words:
…I really miss playing for the Black Stars.
A reunion would be nice to quench Sulley’s thirst for the Black Stars; don’t you think so?
Recently, Sulley Muntari made it clear in plain language that he wants a comeback to the Black Stars. The midfielder while envisaging a possible win for Ghana in the coming 2018 Russia World Cup on GHOne’s Football Legends Show, said:
…of course, I want to play again with the national team.
Good intention, isn’t it? So what’s actually wrong with him being given a chance?
To crown his deep desire to return to the national team, Sulley Muntari said he actually wants to pick up a trophy for the nation before he ends his football career.
For the popular African player, it is very possible for Ghana to end her long trophy drought in the coming World Cup games despite the narrow chances they currently have in the tournament. Sulley recalls that Ghana did a similar thing in 2006:
You know many people are saying that probably we can’t make it to the World Cup, but I think we can do it. You know why? Because if we win all our games. We did the same in 2006 when we qualified for the first time to the World Cup. We lost our first game, we drew away but then we won all our games, it’s the same situation now. I think we can do it.”
BuzzGhana’s verdict: A player who has such clear and good thoughts for his fatherland’s team really deserves to be given a chance in that team!
What do you think about Sulley Muntari’s suspension and return to the Black Stars? Please, let’s have your views at the comment section below. Thank you.
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