Ghanaian football icon Stephen Appiah has paid a heartfelt tribute to his compatriot Mohammed Gago for playing a key role in securing his first professional contract with Italian side Udinese.
Speaking at the Emy Africa Awards in Accra, where he was recently honoured, Appiah reflected on Gago’s selfless act that changed the course of his career.
Gago, sensing an opportunity, faked an injury in the 80th minute during a friendly match against Sturm Graz, allowing the young Appiah to make a decisive appearance.
The former Black Stars captain seized the moment, scoring a stunning 25-yard goal that made headlines in Italian newspapers the next day.
“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 U-14 to the Black Stars. I travelled 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.”
The duo later played together at the Udinese first team, leaving a lasting legacy.
Appiah, with 67 Ghana caps, went on to star for Juventus and Fenerbahçe, leading Ghana to their historic 2006 World Cup debut.
