Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah has shared a heartwarming story about how fellow Ghanaian footballer Mohammed Gago faked an injury to help him secure his first professional contract with Serie A side Udinese Calcio.
Speaking after being honoured at the Emy Africa Awards in Accra, Appiah recounted how Gago’s selfless act during a friendly match against Austrian club Sturm Graz changed his career trajectory.
At the time, Appiah had just moved to Italy from Accra Hearts of Oak and was yet to sign his contract with Udinese.
During the match, Gago feigned an injury in the 80th minute, creating an opportunity for Appiah to step onto the pitch.
The young midfielder seized the moment, scoring a stunning 25-yard goal that caught the attention of the Italian media and Udinese’s management.
“I would like to thank the founder of my team, Mighty Victory. I would also like to thank all the players I played with, from under-14 to the Black Stars. I travelled to Italy as a guy from Chorkor who knew nothing about the Italian weather and cuisine. Yes, I was doing well at Accra Hearts of Oak and got scouted by an Italian scout. Gago Mohammed is the one who made everything possible. Every time I see him, I bow because I appreciate what he has done for me.
“I remember I was with the junior side and hadn’t signed my contract yet. The senior side played a friendly against Sturm Graz from Austria. In the 80th minute, Gago Mohammed faked an injury to give me the chance to feel the game. I came in and scored a goal from 25 yards, and the next day I was in the Italian newspapers.
“I called Gago Mohammed and told him there was an article about me. I went to his house, and he explained that the coach had instructed the club to close my deal. After two days, I signed my first international contract,” he said.
Appiah and Gago both played for Udinese, making their mark as some of Africa’s finest talents.
Appiah’s illustrious career included stints at clubs like Juventus, Brescia, and Fenerbahçe. He also led Ghana to its first two FIFA World Cup appearances in 2006 and 2010, cementing his legacy in African
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