Sports News of Friday, 18 January 2013

Source: goal.com

I'm shocked and disappointed - Dede Ayew

Ghana international Andre Ayew has disclosed he was shocked to have been left out of the Black Stars squad for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

The left-footed player said although he is not angry about it, the news came as a big disappointment to him since he was committed to make it to South Africa, despite his hamstring injury.

Coach Kwesi Appiah excluded the Olympique Marseille winger from his final 23-man squad because he picked up an injury during training in France and failed to meet the reporting deadline in camp in Abu Dhabi.

However, the Fifa Under-20 World Cup winner has been explaining to French newspaper Le Phonceen that he had preferred to start treating his injury in France instead of a spot declaration which was made.

“On Sunday evening, I was taking the plane to the selection, but I got the information at the last minute as I was told by the coach not to come,” Ayew revealed.

“It was shocking. The coach based on the fact that he only wanted players [who are 100%], which is surprising because apparently there are a lot of casualties there.”

He added: “Discipline I speak of, but they were aware that I would be late, discipline. I gave everything for the selection, so it is not easy to accept.

“I'm not angry, I'm just disappointed. It made me know some people in the staff and federation.”

"Ghana is a big nation. There are things happening that are not normal, Kevin Prince Boateng issue shows that there are reasons,” Ayew added.