Former Black Stars midfielder, Michael Essien
Former Ghana international Ahmed Ampimah Barusso has revealed that he was forced to study and take a test on compatriot Michael Essien.
Barusso, who was playing for Rimini between 2006 to 2007, disclosed that his then manager Leonardo Acori made him watch Michael Essien play and asked him questions the following day.
“I was always arguing with my coach at Rimini. He told me I had to break into the national team setup and be like Michael Essien,” he told CitiSports.
“Anytime Chelsea was playing that season, he would tell me to stop everything I was doing and watch the game and take notes on Essien’s performance.
”Michael Essien was a very great player at the time, and we played in a similar position.
”I had no choice but to watch because if I wasn’t able to answer his questions the following day, I’d be in trouble."
After a successful campaign with Rimini, Barusso earned a big move to giants AS Roma.
He played for Ghana between 2007 and 2008 and was a member of the team at the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations.
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