Great Olympics: Rodney Appiah aiming to protect his father's legacy
New Accra Great Olympics signing, Rodney Appiah has said he is aiming to preserve the legacy of his father, Stephen Appiah.
Appiah, 38, is one of the best captains the country has ever produced. He led the country to its maiden appearance in the 2006 World Cup in Germany and in 2010 in South Africa.
Rodney, who was born in Italy and started his juvenile career at Juventus Academy, wants to preserve the legacy of his father and wants to emulate the success story of his father.
“I grew up playing football my whole life, I was born in Italy and I started my football career over there with Juventus Academy," the 19 year old told 3Sports.
“With the support of my dad and everything I already saw myself making it.
“I grew up watching and learning from him and seeing the way the Ghanaians love him so I wanted to feel the same way so that Ghanaians will love me as well.
“I felt like I had no choice than to play football but after felt I was good at it and I needed to do it.
“In the beginning it was difficult but now I have improved a lot. The coaches, the staff and everybody have begun liking me.
“They always want me to play with them, among them and stuff so I think I’m doing well.
“I need to work extra hard because I’m playing with older people, people who are more experienced than me and stronger than me and everything so I just need to work very hard.
“I will try my best to do better than him [Stephen Appiah], play well on the field so that I don’t destroy our name or anything like that.
“He [Stephen Appiah] keeps telling me to enjoy the game, I should just try and be myself, I shouldn’t be like him.
“I won’t panic, I will just do what I can do," Rodney added.
Rodney Appiah recently signed for Ghana Premier League side, Great Olympics alongside the son of ex-Ghana winger, Laryea Kingston, Jacob Kingston prior to the start of the second half of the season.
Rodney is expected to understudy the array of experienced players like, Gladson Awako, James Akaminko at the Dade Boys.