You ignored him when he needed you – John Paintsil fires GFA

Former Black Stars defender John Paintsil has taken a swipe at the Ghana Football Association for acting love towards Christian Atsu following the winger’s demise.

According to the former Hapoel Tel Aviv and Fulham defender, there was a time Christian Atsu needed the GFA but he didn’t get their assistance. It is then not right for them to turn out acting concerned following his demise.

“You snubbed him and kicked him out of your Black Stars at age 31. Atsu has been struggling to get a permanent stay in a club since the snub. We all know the Value & Respect your club gives you when you play for your Nation. Don’t pretend you loved him because you don’t at all,” Paintsil told Original FM.

The former FC Porto and Rio Ave winger last played for Ghana in 2019 but poured cold water on reports that he had retired from the team.

He told 3Sports in 2021 that he had opted out of the team after having a discussion with the then head coach C.K Akonnor. At the time of the interview, Christian Atsu had ended his contract with Newcastle United and was heading to Saudi Arabia with Al Raed.

“Coach came to my place in Newcastle United, I spoke with him, we made a decision and this is it. So it’s not like I told the national team I was not going to play again, there is nothing like that,” he told 3Sports as quoted by Ghanasoccernet.

Christian Atsu lost his life after he was trapped in the rubble of the devastating earthquake that claimed over 40,000 lives in Turkey and Syria.

Atsu’s lifless body was recovered nearly two weeks after the disaster. The former Ghana international is one of the causalities from Turkish top tier club Hatayspor. The club’s sporting director Taner Savut who was also trapped in the dead mass have been reported dead by the club.

“We wish God’s mercy on our teacher, our condolences to his family and fans. We will not forget you, teacher Taner. May you rest in heaven. You are always in our hearts,” the club announced.