Former England and Liverpool goalkeeper David James says the excellence of Tony Yeboah compelled him to follow Ghana Football closely.

James, a former Aston Villa player had an illustrious career in England playing in four FA Cup finals and winning the title with Portsmouth in 2008.

“Yeboah was simply good back then. I played against him in several games during my active days in England and I tell you what he always gave me a reason to follow Ghana Football” James told Henry Asante Twum in an exclusive interview.

“I remember I conceded a goal against Yeboah back in 1995 in the FA cup and I still remember it very well. That goal was unbelievable.

“As a goalkeeper, I felt bad after that game but later when I watched the highlight on Television I gave him credit for doing a great job in that match and henceforth I started to pay attention to players who come from Africa especially Ghana,” David James added.

“I have played against a lot of quality strikers as a goalkeeper. But Tony Yeboah was exemplary. His days at Leeds United was amazing. And I think he was matchless Yeboah joined Leeds United from Eintracht Frankfurt for £3.4 million in January 1995, scoring 32 goals in over 60 appearances and winning the player of the year award in 1996”.

He is revered as a cult hero for Leeds United due to a series of memorable goals he scored during his three year stay at Elland Road David James who won 53 caps for England is in Ghana on a two day Emirates Cup trophy tour as brand ambassador.