Essien reveals World Cup heartache

Ghana midfielder Michael Essien admits he was devastated to discover his World Cup dream was over.

Essien had hoped to be fit for the finals in South Africa even though he hadn’t played since tearing the medial ligament in his left knee while training with Ghana before the African Nations Cup in January.

The 27-year-old was named in Ghana’s provisional 30-man squad and given every opportunity to prove his fitness.

However, last week the Chelsea star had to face up to the grim realisation that he would be ruled out of the tournament after an emotional meeting with Ghana’s medical team.

“Since my injury in January I had been working hard to come back for Chelsea and Ghana, but it wasn’t to be,” he said on Chelsea’s official website, www.chelseafc.com.

“I did everything I could but eventually I succumbed to the injury and had to accept the fact that the body takes its own time to heal and you cannot rush things.

“I had my last assessment over a week ago with the Chelsea and Ghana doctors present.

“It took place at the hotel where all the Ghanaian players were staying and coming out of that meeting was very emotional for me.

“I spoke to Stephen Appiah, the captain, and all the other guys about my inability to join them and you could tell how disappointed they were.

“I have to admit no one was more disappointed than me but that’s life and I have to move on.

“I would like to wish the Black Stars the best of luck in South Africa. They need our support and all Ghanaians should get behind them.”