John Paintsil blasts Ghana FA, says they snubbed Atsu when he was alive

Former Black Stars defender, John Paintsil has blasted the Ghana Football Association following the tragic death of Christian Atsu.

The Ghanaian football governing body is among the top associations that have issued statement to mourn the ex-Chelsea player after he was confirmed dead on Saturday.

But John Paintsil, who played for the Black Stars from 2001 to 2013 insists kicking out Atsu from the Black Stars after the 2019 AFCON affected him to get a permanent stay at the club level.

“You snubbed him and kicked him out of your Black Stars at age 31. Atsu has been struggling to get a permanent stay in a club since the snub.

“We all know the Value & Respect your club gives you when you play for your Nation.

“Don’t pretend you loved him because you don’t at all,” John Paintsil told Original FM in an interview.

Christian Atsu received his first Black Stars call-up prior to the 2013 AFCON. He made his debut on July 1st, 2012 against Lesotho and scored a goal in their 7-0 victory.

He was named as the best player during the 2015 AFCON after helping Ghana to reach the finals, where they lost on penalties to Ivory Coast.

Christian Atsu passed away at the age of 31 aftermath of the 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquake.