Michael Essien Recounts 2001 FIFA U-20 World Cup Experience In Argentina

Former Ghana midfielder, Michael Essien has recounted his experience at the 2001 FIFA U-20 World Cup held in Argentina.

The former Chelsea legend was a key figure of the Black Satellites squad that made history by reaching the finals for the first time.

Essien, who played all matches for Ghana as a defender in the competition ended up as one of the promising stars for the Black Satellites team when they lost to the host Argentina in the finals.

The 34-year-old got his breakthrough as a player after the competition securing himself a deal to join French giants Olympique Lyon.

“I have great memories of that tournament. We had a superb run to the final, where the hosts, Argentina, beat us to the title,” he told FIFA.com.

“The experience will stay with me forever, though, especially as that was where I scored the one and only World Cup goal of my career, against Paraguay in our opening match.

“I also remember our win over Kaka’s Brazil in the quarter-finals. We scored the winner in the very last minute. Matches like that stay with you.”

Michael Essien who also represented Ghana at the 2006 and 2014 FIFA World Cups recently announced his retirement from international football.