Playing For Black Stars Was All I Wanted, No Regrets - Goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey

Former Black Stars first-choice goalkeeper, Adam Larsen Kwarasey has rejected claims that he regrets playing for the country's senior national team.

Kwarasey, who was eligible to play for Norway, chose to represent Ghana in 2011 and went on to clock 22 senior caps.

However, the 32-year-old has been out of the Black Stars team since the Fifa World Cup fiasco at Brazil 2014 after it was reported he failed to command defenders during matches due to language barrier.

Kwarasey started Ghana’s first game against the USA but was frozen out of the squad after the Stars lost 2-1 with claims that senior players had demanded his removal from the team.

Earlier this week, an ex-international – Odartey Lamptey – was quoted in the media as saying that Kwarasey regrets his decision to play for Ghana.

Ghana’s recent pursuit of young, talented players like Brighton’s Tariq Lamptey and Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah has sparked a debate about the treatment of past stars when they opt to represent Ghana.

And Nii Odartey Lamptey, in an interview with Akoma FM said that the issues at the 2014 World Cup would make Kwarasey look back on his time with the national team with regret.

“I know where Kwarasey came from and all that. If Kwarasey decides to open his mouth and tell you what he went through… He regrets playing for Ghana,” Odartey said.

Kwarasey, however, has debunked this assertion, describing his years with the Black Stars as some of the most important moments of his career.

He told Citi Sports: “That is not true at all.”

“I’m really happy and grateful that I have been allowed to represent Ghana.

‘I love wearing that jersey and, for me, that was the only thing I have ever wanted in terms of national team football.”

Kwarasey featured prominently at the 2012 AFCON tournament for Ghana as they reached the semi-finals. He was also named in the squad for the 2013 tournament.

Kwarasey conceded 18 goals as Black Stars goalkeeper, keeping seven clean sheets in that time.

He currently plays for Norwegian side Vålerenga and made 18 appearances for them in the league last season.