Appiah grateful for support in 'trying times'
Stephen Appiah has heaped praise on Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac and Black Stars players for their support during his trying times, moments after clinching a deal with Bologna.
The Ghana captain also thanked the Ghana FA board and fans for their unflinching backing in the face of criticism.
The Serbian manager and his players insisted in Appiah playing for the Black Stars even though he was without a club for over one year which was criticised by a section of the press.
The inspirational midfielder ended his clubless status on Sunday after passing a medical with the Serie A side in the Italian city.
Appiah says he is grateful to those who supported him during the difficult times in his career.
"I will like to thank the GFA, Black Stars Management team and players who have stood by me through thick and thin," Appiah said on his personal website www.stepapp.com http://www.stepapp.com/ .
"I will also like to thank every single one of you who have prayed for me, wished me well and supported me through out these trying times.
"I couldn't have made it without your support and prayers. I am eternally grateful to you all and you will see the real Appiah back to his best soon."
Appiah is confident he will help him new club Bologna in their fight for a good finish in the Serie A.
"It is a good day for me and I am extremely happy that Bologna have shown faith in me and signed me," he said.
"It is a new chapter in my life and I am looking forward to joining the team and helping Bologna's dreams come true.
"I am part of the Bologna family now and their dream is my dream too.
"I will like to say a very big thank you to everyone at Bologna who has been involved in this.
"I am ready for the challenge and looking forward to pulling on my favourite number 4 jersey for the 'Rossoblu'."
He has been without a club since ending his contract with Turkish club Fenerbahce in August last year.
Appiah recovered from the complications of the surgery which led to his falling out with Fenerbahce.
He joined Fenerbahce in 2005 from Italian giants Juventus after winning the country's league title that season.
His decision to leave Juventus ended his seven-year stay in Italy after earlier spells with Udinese, Parma and Brescia.