I Couldn’t Miss The Olympics To Play For Juventus – Appiah

Ghana legend, Stephen Appiah has come out to share how Juventus attempted to stop him from playing for the Black Stars at the 2004 Olympic Games in Greece, Athens. He recently had his say while speaking to the press, and fans have been reacting.

According to him, the Italian club suggested that he stayed and not represent his country at the Olympics because they needed him, but the competition was too huge to not be a part of.

Appiah added that he had previously spoken to some teammates who had been to the Olympics, and they described the tournament as unmissable.

His words, “I was told the club had received a letter from Ghana. Even before I went in, I knew that it was about the Olympic Games.”

“I went into the Sporting Director’s office only to see three men; Luciano Moggi – Juventus Director of Football, Geraldo, the club’s lawyer, and the legendary Berttegga himself.”

“Without even asking whether I wanted to go or not, they explained at length how much they needed me. They suggested I stayed and not represent my country at the Olympics. I asked for time to think about it and decide. They gave me three days.”

“I had previously spoken to some teammates who had been to the Olympics and what they described was unmissable. Beyond the immeasurable sense of pride of representing your country at the multi-sport event, it was a festival.”

“The description of the Games village, getting to see other world-class athletes up close and in action was indescribable, they said. This was better than the World Cup. So I had to be there.”

“And on a personal note, I had played at the Fifa U17 World Cup once, twice at the U20 but never at the Olympics. This was my chance. And as a matter of principle, only injuries or suspensions could stop me from representing my country. That’s non-negotiable.”

“I know they valued me. I was one of the more talented midfielders there. But this is Juventus where there are always options.”