Former Black Stars skipper Stephen Appiah has advised young footballers to pursue their education with the same seriousness they attach to their careers.

There is a notion that footballers do not need education to reach the summit of their profession but Stephen Appiah who has seen it all in the game holds the view that education has a key role to play in the lives of footballers.

Speaking during his unveiling as the brand ambassador for Betway Ghana, the former Juventus midfielder recounted how a friend by name Daniel convinced him to run away from school and play football at the Salvation Army Park in Mamprobi, where he was spotted.

“Things were very difficult for me when I was growing up. There was this guy called Daniel who one day met me at the roadside and asked that we run from school with the promise that he will buy me beans and plantain. I quickly followed him because there were times when I went to school with no food or money on me. So we went to the Salvation Army Park and Daniel asked me to join the other guys and play the game because he knew I was a good footballer”.

“So I joined and after the game I was approached by a certain man who had been watching us. He introduced himself and asked me to join his colt’s football club. I asked him to speak to my mum because my mum was a little bit tough at the time.

“I decided not to go to school again and focus on my career, but I’m not saying that kids of today should not go to school. You have to go to school and not allow football to take you away from your books because we are getting to a point where without education, you can’t play football”, Appiah narrated.

Stephen Appiah is Betway Ambassador

Betting giants, Betway on Sunday, 25th announced that Stephen Appiah has signed a one-year deal with them to become their Brand, Ambassador.

Appiah’s union with the betting firm will see him act as the brand's spokesperson and participate in key programs to better engagements with both clients and supporters.