Accra, April 22, GNA - The Management of 90 minutes, a bi-weekly sports newspaper, has apologized to Black Stars defender John Paintsil for publishing report against him.

The newspaper in its edition of Tuesday, Monday April 20 published a story titled "I Got A310,000 for taming Ronaldo - Paintsil", but the Fulham defender has since denied the story.

The news article claimed that the England-based right-back was rewarded with a cash prize of 10,000 pounds by Fulham Manager, Roy Hodgson for playing out Manchester United winger, Cristiano Ronaldo during a Premier League last March.

A statement signed by Henry Boateng, Managing Editor of 90 Minutes copied to GNA Sports said "We will like to retract the above-headlined story that appeared in our Monday, 20th April, 2009 edition and which was carried by other news outlets.

"We will like to state that the story is inaccurate and would like to apologize unreservedly to John Paintsil, Roy Hodgson and to the Fulham Football Club.

"Indeed John Paintsil granted an interview to 90 Minutes which we have on record but was misquoted on this particular issue.

"We deeply regret any inconveniences that this might have caused."

Boateng added that his outfit has begun an internal process of putting in place mechanisms to forestall such occurrences in the future.

Fulham beat Manchester United 2-0 in the said match at Craven Cottage with Paintsil playing a vital role in defence for his victorious side.

FULL STATEMENT

90 Minutes newspaper will like to retract the above-headlined story that appeared in our Monday 20th April, 2009 edition and which was picked by other news outlets.

We will like to state that the story is inaccurate and would like to apologize unreservedly to John Pantsil, Roy Hodgson and Fulham Football Club. Indeed John Paintsil granted an interview to 90 Minutes which we have it on record but was misquoted on this particular issue.

We deeply regret any inconveniences that this might have caused. Management of the paper has already begun the internal processs of putting in place mechanisms to forestall such an occurrence in the future. We hope all media houses will take note of this development and take steps to remove the story from media outlets immediately. Thank you.

By Management