Skip to main content

Essien rules out Wembley comeback

The Chelsea midfielder's return, after he requested a break to concentrate on his club career, has been the subject of intense speculation in recent days but Essien rebuffed stories that he would line up in March after some 15 months away from his national team.

"I don't want Ghanaians to believe these stories and then in March be disappointed that I am not in the team," he said on his website.

"I will definitely return to the team at some point in the future, however it won't be for the upcoming games."

Essien, 28, said he had a brief telephone discussion with Ghana's new coach Goran Stevanovic. "I told him I will definitely return to the Ghana squad but we didn't talk about dates and I didn't tell him I was available to play in March," Essien added.

"When I decided to take a break I knew some Ghanaians would be disappointed but I felt at the time it was the right decision after two horrible injuries."

"Of course I'll be at Wembley to support the team. I am a Black Stars supporter like any other player. I predict Ghana to win," he added.