Kickoff (Cape Town)
18 August 2008
Stephen Appiah says he will return to the field a stronger and better player after spending eight months on the sidelines.
The Black Stars captain has been absent from the game with a life-threatening disorder since the end of November last year, but says he is all set to play again after months of painful rehabilitation even though he would not be drawn on exactly when he will return.
"I have been in Italy training for about a month now. I am through with my pre-season training," he told Happy FM. "Everything is going well and very soon you will see me again on the football field."
Appiah is looking for a new club after leaving Turkish side Fernabahce but says that is not his priority now. He says he just happy to be alive after the injury scare.
"I am happy just to be alive after the injury. I was complaining of asthma after surgery last year, but it was not that. I missed an injection and blood went into my lungs. Football was not the most important thing. I nearly lost my life.
"Sometimes when things happen, you can be knocked off if you are not strong mentally. But I am strong mentally and I never give up which is why I am still going strong."
Appiah describes the last months as some of the most difficult for him but is adamant he will not rush a comeback.
"I have been so worried that I can hardly watch football. I wish so often that I am on the field, but I don't brood over some things. I know when the time is right I will enjoy my football again. There are ups and downs. The most important thing is not to give up because I have given it my all to be able to come back."
"Stephen can play again but when I will return will remain a surprise. I don't want to rush the comeback. I want everything to be gradual. I have been out for one year and I understand it will take time to get my rhythm back."
Appiah also revealed he had stayed strong during the difficult period with the support of his international team mates.
"I speak to many of players every day. Essien, Kingston, all of them have done a great deal for me. They have encouraged me a lot with their phone calls and text messages, he said. I feel I must keep going to justify the confidence they have in me because they have been there for me."
Be the first to Write a Comment!
Copyright © 2008 Kickoff. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.
AllAfrica aggregates and indexes content from over 125 African news organizations, plus more than 200 other sources, who are responsible for their own reporting and views. Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica.
