Abedi Pele: My Biggest Disappointment Is...

Ghana legend Abedi Pele says his biggest disappointment in his playing career is not to have won the World Player of the Year award insisting that he should have won the gong in 1992.

The three-time African Footballer of the Year award winner claims he should have won the World Player of the Year award in 1992 because of his efforts and performances.

The ‘Maestro’ says the prohibitive regulations for winning the World Player of the Year award prevented from winning the award in 1992 which was dominated by Europeans.

Abedi added that the key role he played in Marseille winning the UEFA Champions League and leading Ghana to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations should have given him the award.

The former Marseille superstar, who won the African Footballer of the Year award three times, says the regulations for the award in 1992 prevented him from winning the award.

“For me I think maybe not winning the World Footballer of the Year. Between 91, 92, 93 which an African wasn’t allowed to be part of those nominations,” Abedi Pele told CNN when asked about his biggest disappointment in the game.

“South Americans will do theirs, Africa will do theirs and Europe will do theirs. It was not until 1995 that the award became all inclusive.

“I think that was one of my biggest disappointments that I couldn’t grab that award. I believe I had the clout to really make it happen.

“In 1992 I took Ghana to the final (of the Africa Cup of Nations) and with Marseille it was even amazing and I had all the opportunity to grab that trohpy.”

AC Milan star Marco van Basten of Holland won the 1992 World Player of the Year award with Barcelona playmaker Hristo Stoichkov and German star Thomas Habler finished second and third respectively.

Source: Ghanasoccernet.com