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Bittersweet times for Frimpong

Ghana-born midfielder called up by England
25/08/2011 01:06 PM

ROLLERCOASTER: Emmanuel Frimpong (right) in action for Arsenal against Liverpool

ARSENAL MIDFIELDER Emmanuel Frimpong has continued his rollercoaster start to his professional career. The youngster has been called up to the England Under-21 squad for games against Azerbaijan and Israel.



The 19-year-old, who made his Premier League debut against Newcastle on the opening day of the season, is included in Stuart Pearce’s 27-man squad along with Henri Lansbury and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.



Frimpong has had a spectacular start to his Premier League career. He was sent off for two yellow cards as his club slumped to a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at the Emirates last Saturday.

But on Wednesday night he helped his beleaguered team to the group stages of the Champions League with a 2-1 success against Udinese.

Frimpong represented England at both Under-16 and Under-17 level but is also eligible to feature for Ghana, having been born in Accra. 



England face Azerbaijan at Vicarage Road in their first European Under-21 Qualifier on Thursday, September 1, before hosting Israel in a friendly at Oakwell on Monday, Sept

Frimpong told Arsenal.com in 2009 that he wanted to play for Ghana. But such has been his progress since then, Gunners boss Arsène Wenger has urged England to secure his services for themselves.



A knee injury meant he was left behind by some of his peers last term but most expect him to make up for lost time this season.

Posted on: 25/08/2011 01:06 PM

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Comments

What an unnecessary and

Anonymous's picture
Anonymous

What an unnecessary and unpleasant decision for the young man.

I don't understand why we (and football should belong to us fans, not a group of unelected, self-serving elites) can't change the system and allow players who qualify for more than one nation to play for more than one nation. In Frimpong's case, why shouldn't he be able to play for England and Ghana? Should England play Ghana, just don't play for either team.

Fri, 2011-08-26 03:19

well done!fre i guess u play

Anonymous's picture
Anonymous

well done!fre i guess u play 4 yr motherland.is good 4 u is yr home.never forget yr home...

Thu, 2011-08-25 15:21

emanuel frimpong

Anonymous's picture
Anonymous

Emanuel is learning the hard way what it takes to establish himself at first team level. His youthful impetuosity got the better of him against liverpool and led to his sending off. He'll need to show consistency and restraint if he is to have a long run in the first team.

Thu, 2011-08-25 13:34

Frimpong for GHANA

Anonymous's picture
Anonymous

I hope he doesn't do a Welbeck and get cornered to play fro England. In this day and age, sport is one of the most levelling playfields which countries must explore for their national pride and unity.

Frimpong, if you "ride your bicycle from England to Ghana", I'll be riding beside you to encourage you - Okraku.com

Thu, 2011-08-25 13:33

England

Anonymous's picture
Anonymous

I fully expect Frimpong to play for Ghana, but if the GFA keep messing him around I wouldn't be surprised to see him play for England either, which I'm sure his manager would prefer.

Thu, 2011-08-25 17:00