Essien set for GFA talks over Black Stars return

Michael Essien says he needs to ‘sort things out’ with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) before he can confirm his return to the national team.

The 30-year-old claims there are a lot to talk about before he can end his self-imposed exile from the national team.

The Chelsea midfielder has been away from international football since recovering from a career-threatening knee injury two years ago.

Essien wanted to concentrate on club football to regain his assertiveness. He last played for the Black Stars in June 2011 in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Congo at the Baba Yara Stadium.

There were huge expectations the former Real Madrid loanee was going to announce his return this summer after his foundation organised a charity match in Accra.

But Essien told the media on Tuesday: “They (Ghana FA) just came back from the international games and would call for the meeting soon. There are a lot of issues to sort out, but would be soon.”

Last week, three players Kevin-Prince Boateng, Andre and Jordan Ayew rescinded their decisions to step down from the Black Stars.

Essien added: “I can’t play on my own. Can I? I think at the right time I will announce my future with the Black Stars.

“For now, am on holidays and I want to relax, but am looking to have a meeting with the FA as soon as possible and if the outcome is favourable I will speak out.”