Sports News of Tuesday, 25 June 2013

Source: ghanasoccernet

I’m not interested in Stars captaincy – Muntari

Sulley Muntari has rubbished reports that he is interested in the Black Stars captaincy and reiterated his backing for skipper Asamoah Gyan.

Reports in the local media suggested the AC Milan ace is fighting for the armband on his return to the national team after the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

The 28-year-old was overlooked for the tournament in South Africa due to the lack of match fitness after returning from a five-month injury lay-off.

In March, he was handed the armband by substantive captain Asamoah Gyan to lead the Black Stars against Sudan in a 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

There are fears the issue could bring disquiet in camp, but Muntari says he is not keen on leading the team.

“It doesn’t really matter to me. The focus is we taking Ghana to the World Cup,” Muntari said.

“After we have done that, probably if we’re going to sit and talk about it, we will. If not, cool we will move on.

“I don’t have any problem. Asa (Asamoah Gyan) is my younger brother. When I went to Liberty, Baffour Gyan took me as his brother so it is like the same thing so I love Asa (Asamoah Gyan) as my brother so there is nothing.”

It will be recalled that a captaincy row in 1992 led to divisions in the Black Stars camp when Kwesi Appiah was stripped of and the armband handed to Abedi Pele.