Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu names Michael Essien and Andre Ayew as his best Black Stars playing mates

Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has named Michael Essien and Andre Ayew as the best players he had the privilege of playing alongside in the national team.

Agyemang-Badu, who was part of Ghanas U-20 squad that won the World Cup in Egypt, earned his first call-up to the Black Stars ahead of the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Ghana finished as runners-up to Egypt in that tournament.

He went on to feature in the 2012 and 2013 AFCON editions, where Ghana secured back-to-back fourth-place finishes.

Although injury sidelined him from the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, he was part of Ghanas squad for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Reflecting on his international career, the former Asante Kotoko and Hellas Verona midfielder singled out Essien and Ayew as his most outstanding teammates.

Michael Essien and Andre Ayew are the best players Ive played with in the national team, he said.

Agyemang-Badu also highlighted his strong bond with Kwadwo Asamoah, with whom he spent four years at Udinese, naming him as his closest friend.

Kwadwo Asamoah is one of my good friendsI lived with him for four years in Udine. Gyan is good, same as Andre Ayew. Michael Essien gave me his boots, he added.

The former Black Stars midfielder, who last played for Great Olympics, made 78 appearances for the national team, scoring 11 goals.

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