The story of how Mohammed Gago faked injury to help Stephen Appiah get his first contract at Udinese

Speaking after being honoured at the Emy Africa Awards over the weekend, Stephen Appiah disclosed that Mohammed Gago ensured he [Appiah] had a smooth transition to life in Italy and the Serie A after joining the club from Accra Hearts of Oak.

He revealed that Mohammed Gago feigned an injury to ensure that he [Appiah] got some game time to impress the coaches at Udinese and secure his first contract at the club.

“I would like to thank the founder of my team, Mighty Victory. I would also like to thank all the players I played with from under-14 to the Black Stars. I traveled to Italy as a guy from Chorkor who knew nothing about the Italian weather and cuisine. Yes, I was doing so well at Accra Hearts of Oak and got scouted by a scout from Italy. Gago Mohammed is the one who made everything possible. Every time I see him, I bow because I appreciate what he has done in my life.

“I remember I was with the junior side and hadn’t signed my contract yet. The senior side played a friendly against Sturm Graz from Austria. In the 80th minute, Gago Mohammed faked an injury for me to have the chance and feel of the game. I came in and scored a goal from 25 yards, and the next day I was in the Italian newspapers.

“I called Gago Mohammed and said there is an article about me. I went to his house, and he explained that the coach had instructed the club to close my deal. After two days, I signed my first international contract,” he said.

Stephen Appiah and Mohammed Gago played for Udinese in Serie A, where they made their names as some of Africa’s finest football players.

Stephen Appiah went on to play for clubs such as Brescia, Juventus, and Fenerbahçe, among others.

He is fondly rememberered for leading Ghana to its first two World Cup tournaments in 2006 and 2010.

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