<<Print>>

Ex Ghana skipper Stephen Leroy 'Tornado' Appiah has officially launched his testimonial match and dinner dance, announcing that he will formally bid farewell to the beautiful game in a honourary match on Saturday June 27 at the Accra Sports Stadium.

At a well attended ceremony organised at the Accra International Conference Center on Monday night, a "nervous" Appiah expressed his profound gratitude to the eminent gathering and all Ghanaians for supporting him throughout his career that spanned a little over two decades.

The historic testimonial match being put together by Events Organisers Primeval Media, will offer the former Juventus midfielder the opportunity to officially announce his retirement and bid soccer loving fans a befitting farewell to the beautiful game.

The ceremony was chaired by former Ghana Football Association chairman Nana Sam-Brew Butler who first introduced Appiah to National team football when he was chairman of the Ghana U-17 Team. Also in attendance were the new minister of youth and sports Hon Dr Mustapha Ahmed, GFA boss Kwesi Nyantakyi, Black Stars management committe chairman George Afriyie and some reputable personalities.

In a brief speech, Appiah said he cried the night after announcing his retirement from football because of the kind of heartwarming responses from the public.

"I was bombarded with calls and my social media handles were flooded with messages wanting to verify the veracity of my retirement. I shed tears as I was bidding good bye to my passion", Appiah said.

The 2006 and 2010 Ghana World Cup star also announced that he has sent invitations to his ex teammates at Juventus, Brescia, Fernabache, as well as his ex Black Stars players to grace the occasion slated for 27th June.

The high profile match will take place at the Accra Sports stadium where Appiah started his professional career with Accra Hearts of Oak in 1995.

The main event –the testimonial match – will be preceded by an A-listed dinner at the Banquet Hall of the State House in Accra on June 26.

Stephen Appiah remains a cult figure in Ghana for his selfless dedication to the Black Stars, and the grand occasion will offer his numerous fans the opportunity to cheer their beloved star for one last time.

He quit international football after playing a bit-part role at the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa after making 67 caps and scoring 14 goals.

Appiah is one of the few Ghanaian players who have played for all national teams. He represented several Italian clubs including Udinese, Brescia, Parma and Cesena.

Appiah has hinted he could return to football as a coach but he is yet to decide. Stephen Appiah remains a cult figure in Ghana for his selfless dedication to the Black Stars.

His testimonial match is therefore expected to be a huge success with a massive expected attendance for the game.