Stephen Appiah opens up on how Mohammed Gago helped him to secure first contract at Udinese

Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah has revealed how fellow Ghanaian footballer Mohammed Gago faked an injury to help him secure his first Serie A contract with Udinese.

Speaking after being honored at the Emy Africa Awards, Appiah recounted how Gago’s selfless act during a friendly match against Sturm Graz gave him an opportunity to impress Udinese’s coaches.

Substituting Gago, Appiah scored a stunning 25-yard goal, which landed him in Italian newspapers and led to his signing with the club two days later. Appiah praised Gago for easing his transition from Accra Hearts of Oak to Italy.

Appiah’s career flourished as he played for clubs like Juventus and Fenerbahçe, and he is celebrated for leading Ghana to its first two FIFA World Cup appearances in 2006 and 2010.