Ex-Ghana captain Stephen Appiah has mourned the passing of famous Italian football agent Domenico Ricci.

Ricci died on Sunday after battling a short illness.

The deceased Italian football agent was instrumental in the transfer of several Ghanaian players including Stephen Appiah, Sammy Kuffour and Mohammed Gargo. Appiah has paid glowing tribute to the man who helped shape his career.

“It’s sad news and we’re all very down at the moment. Richi helped took me to Europe and did a lot for me,” he told Peace FM

“It came to me as a shock but obviously I wasn’t expecting that. He did a lot for African footballers and we’ll forever remember him.

“God knows best and so we should give him thanks in all things.”

He played a role in Ghana appointing Guissepe Dossena as Black Stars coach in the late 90s.

Ricci introduced the likes of Giovanni Trapattoni, Roberto Mancini and Arrigo Sacchi to the Nigeria Football Federation before the commencement of the 2010 World Cup.

In July 2011, he announced his ‘retirement’ from the game that brought him fame and fortune.