Last night, Ghanaian football legend Stephen Appiah was honored with a prestigious award at the EMY Awards, a ceremony that celebrates outstanding male achievements in various fields.
As he accepted the award, Appiah took the opportunity to share a heartwarming and emotional story about the early days of his career.
With tears in his eyes, Appiah recounted how a friend and teammate, Mohammed Gargo faked an injury to give him the chance to shine on the international stage.
“Yes! I was doing well at Accra Hearts of Oak, Yes! there was a scout who came down to scout Stephen Appiah, i got the chance to travel to Italy but there’s one special person who made everything possible… and that’s Gargo Mohammed. Gargo still do not understand why i bow, anytime i see him. I bow because I appreciate what you have done in my life” he said.
“I remember, I was with the junior side, I had not side my contract yet, we played a friendly game against a club from Austria, they started the game and on the eightieth minute, Gargo Mohammed faked an injury for to have a feel of the game. I came in ten minutes to the end of the game.
I scored a goal from twenty five yards. The next day I saw myself in the newspapers. I told Gargo there is an article written about me and he [Gargo] said I should come to the house. I picked a car and went. When I got there, he [Gargo] said the coach had told him to lock the door, he should not let me run away” he said.
This selfless act, Appiah revealed, was a turning point in his career, paving the way for him to become one of Ghana’s most celebrated footballers.
Mohammed Gargo is a Ghanaian former professional footballer who played as a defender. He played for clubs Torino, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich II, Stoke City Udinese, Venezia, Genoa, Al-Wakrah, Ashanti Gold,
Real Tamale United
Gargo’s performances at the 1991 FIFA U-17 World Championship brought him to the notice of European clubs’ scouts.
Appiah’s story was a testament to the power of friendship and sacrifice. He expressed his deepest gratitude to his friend believed in him and gave him the opportunity to pursue his dreams.
The audience were visibly moved by Appiah’s emotional appreciation speech, and it served as a reminder that success is often the result of the support and sacrifices of others.
Stephen Appiah’s illustrious career spanned over a decade, during which he played for top-tier clubs in Europe, including Juventus and Fenerbahçe.
He also captained the Ghanaian national team, the Black Stars, and represented his country in several international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup.
Appiah’s legacy extends beyond his achievements on the pitch. He has become a role model and inspiration to many young Ghanaian footballers, and his story serves as a reminder that with hard work, determination, and the support of others, anything is possible.
As Appiah walked off the stage, award in hand, he was met with a standing ovation, a fitting tribute to a true Ghanaian legend.
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