Gerald Asamoah Recounts How Heart Condition Almost Forced Him To End His Football Career

Ex-German international, Gerald Asamoah has indicated that his career almost ended abruptly in 1998 because of a heart condition.

Speaking to DW in an interview, Asamoah explained that he thought his career was all over, but he sought the face of God for divine intervention and promised to give back to society if he survived it.

After being sidelined for three months, the former Schalke 04 ace returned to the field and continued his football career.

Asamoah went on to become the first black man to represent Germany in the FIFA World Cup in 2002.

“In 1998, Doctors told me I can’t play football again. I sat out for three months, underwent treatment and enjoyed my career later.

“ You have a dream and now doctors come in to say it is over. It was one of the worst days of my life. Everything was black and I said what is going on?

“So I said God if you help me get through this and get onto the pitch again I would want to give something back.

“My dream is to build a Cardiac Hospital to treat such problems since it is very expensive.”

Despite featuring for Germany at the international level, the burly striker said he has not lost track of his Ghanaian roots.

“I’m a Ghanaian and everyone knows that. I will do my best to support the development of Ghana in my small way.”

The 41-year-old, who is now retired played for teams such as Hannover 96 where he played 79 games before moving to Schalke where he really made his name and mark.

Later he played for the like of St Pauli and Greuther Fürth.