Essien, who now holds Union of European Football Association (UEFA) License B coaching certificate, said news from the team’s camp at the Brazil 2014 World Cup, was misrepresented and therefore made the players appear to the public as enemies.

He added that, he was not interested in rationalising the actions of the players at the Brazil 2014 World since the harm had already been done on the team, with incessant criticisms even before the affected players could defend themselves.

“Does it make sense now? It happened four years ago and we just have to leave it behind and move forward,” Essien said.

“They should wait to hear our side before they criticise. You don’t criticise us and after four years they want to hear our story. The story is dead now so let’s move forward.”

 “Nobody wanted to boycott the matches. It is official game and so we would not play. So whoever came up with that story is very stupid to be honest with you.”