Ghana legend Stephen Appiah has paid tribute to his compatriot Mohammed Gago for helping him secure his first professional contract with Italian side Udinese.

The former Black Stars captain made these remarks after being honoured at the Emy Africa Awards in Accra earlier this week.

Appiah revealed that Gago faked an injury during a friendly match to ensure he got an opportunity to make a decisive cameo appearance against Sturm Graz, which ultimately secured his first contract in the late ’90s. Appiah played for Udinese between 1997 and 2000.

“I would like to thank the founder of my team, Mighty Victory. I would also like to thank all the players I played with from U-14 to the Black Stars. I travelled to Italy as a guy from Chorkor who knew nothing about the Italian weather and cuisine. Yes, I was doing so well at Accra Hearts of Oak and got scouted by a scout from Italy. Gago Mohammed is the one who made everything possible. Every time I see him, I bow because I appreciate what he has done in my life.

“I remember I was with the junior side and hadn’t signed my contract yet. The senior side played a friendly against Sturm Graz from Austria. In the 80th minute, Gago Mohammed faked an injury for me to have the chance and feel of the game. I came in and scored a goal from 25 yards, and the next day I was in the Italian newspapers.

“I called Gago Mohammed and said there is an article about me. I went to his house, and he explained that the coach had instructed the club to close my deal. After two days, I signed my first international contract,” he said.

Stephen Appiah and Mohammed Gago later played together at Udinese, both making their marks.

Appiah, who earned 67 caps for Ghana, went on to play for clubs such as Juventus and Fenerbahçe.

He also captained the Black Stars during Ghana’s first-ever participation in the 2006 FIFA World Cup.