Former Black starlets midfielder, Ishmael Yartey has reiterated his desire to play for the senior national team under current manager, Charles Kwablah Akonnor after eight years of absence from the team.
Speaking on Accra based Angel FM, the former Gamba All Blacks and Benfica winger heaped praise on the West African nation for the immense contribution to his development as a player.
“If I have gained popularity in the country, it is through the national team. So I’m grateful to the country for such an opportunity. If not for the national team, I do not think I would have come this far.
In fact, it was difficult to get a club abroad those times if you have not played for the national team “, he told Angel FM.
The 30 year-old however believes he ismatured enough with much experience and ready to serve the Black stars anytime there is an opportunity.
“Now I can see I have more experience as compared to previous days. I am still playing actively, so anytime the senior national team needs my service I will never falter to work for my country,”
“Those who still follow me know that I have become an improved version of the player I was. My speed and goal scoring ability has also become better than it was before.” he revealed.
Yartey was part of the Ghana Black Starlets team who finished fourth in the 2007 FIFA Under-17 Championship in Korea and also playedfor the Under-20 side.
By Obed Asafo
