Ghanaian winger Joseph Paintsil has revealed how he dealt with the double blow of losing his father and being omitted from Ghana’s squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The 25-year-old was one of the most consistent performers for Ghana in Europe, scoring 18 goals and providing 14 assists for Genk in Belgium.
However, he was shockingly left out of the World Cup squad by former coach Otto Addo, who was later sacked after failing to qualify.
Paintsil said he was devastated by the news, which came just days after his father passed away.
“It really motivated [missing out on the World Cup squad] me and I think the same week my father passed away. May his soul rest in peace,” he told 3FM.
“Normally if it were to be someone else it would have dimmed the spirit of the person but it rather strengthened me and I know my father would be happy.”
“I still stood on my ground and fought very hard. Even though the World Cup selection was a little bit sad from the start, I just advised myself to concentrate on my football career and just concentrate on the club and just put in everything and it just started and everything was working good for me.”
Paintsil has since returned to the national team under new coach Chris Hughton, who replaced Addo.
The former Tema Youth player said he has no hard feelings towards Addo and is focused on making the most of his chances with the Black Stars.
“I felt a little bit disappointed in the past but you never know, everybody has his decision as a coach and I do need to respect it and move on as a professional footballer with a great mindset and just do what I need to do on the field of play when I’m given the opportunity,” he added.
