Soccer News of Wednesday, 30 May 2007

Source: GNA

Chelsea's Ghanaian youth player wants to play for Ghana

Accra, May 30, GNA - Chelsea Youth Star, Seth Nana Ofori Twumasi has said he would respond positively to any invitation to feature for any of the Ghanaian national teams.

The talented midfielder said that he had been yearning for such an opportunity, which he would grab with both hands.

Twumasi, a member of the 25-member Chelsea delegation currently in the country for a charity programme told the GNA Sports at the Golden Tulip Hotel that he had always relished donning the red, gold and green colours of his motherland.

The 17-year old, who has more than 50 caps with the U-17 side of England explained that he accepted the call from the English because there was no offer from his native country. "I will rather play for Ghana because it's the dream of every footballer to represent his nation.

"But for now England is giving me that opportunity, but I will respond to an invitation from Ghana anytime it comes," said Twumasi, who left Ghana at a tender age to join his family in Britain in the late 1990's.

Having played for his adopted country at the U-17 level, the Kumasi-born player said it would be appropriate if he was considered for the U-20 squad and beyond.

"But my dream is to play for the Black Stars."

Twumasi, a regular feature in the youth ranks of Chelsea during the past five years said that he was hoping to break into the first team within the shortest time.

With two years, remaining on his contract, the midfielder believes a place in the first team will climax his rise through the ranks. Describing compatriot, Michael Essien as an influential player in the Chelsea set up, the England U-17 star said he was looking forward to playing alongside Essien in the near future.

Some of his team-mates who made the trip to Ghana were Michael Mancieenne, Jimmy Smith, Jack Cork, Sam Hutchinson and Eddie Newton. Chelsea Manager, Jose Mourinho led the delegation, which returns home on Saturday.