Abdul Baba Rahman recently opened up about the challenges he faced after suffering his second Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury, revealing that he contemplated retiring from football altogether. Rahman, who had shown immense promise when he signed for Chelsea in 2015 and was later loaned to Schalke O4, experienced a setback during Ghana’s match against Uganda at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.
The injury kept Rahman sidelined for nearly two years, and just when he thought he had recovered, he faced another setback. However, Rahman has since overcome these obstacles and is now thriving at PAOK after joining the Greek side in 2023.
Reflecting on his time at Chelsea, Rahman expressed his disappointment at not being able to perform at his best due to recurring injuries. He credited Dr. Paco for convincing him not to give up on his football career after his second ACL injury. Rahman admitted that he had considered retirement but Dr. Paco’s words of encouragement motivated him to continue fighting for his career.
“I am sad things didn’t work out at Chelsea. I just had so many bad injuries, and because I wasn’t 100% fit, I wasn’t able to give my absolute best,” Rahman disclosed in an interview with BBC Sport. “I owe them a lot because it was Dr. Paco who convinced me not to retire after my second ACL injury.”
Rahman’s determination and resilience have paid off, as he has made a significant impact at PAOK this season, contributing five goals and one assist in 18 matches across all competitions. Despite the setbacks he faced, Rahman’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of having a support system in times of adversity.
The journey of Abdul Baba Rahman serves as an inspiration to many aspiring athletes, illustrating that with the right mindset and support, one can overcome even the toughest challenges. Rahman’s story is a reminder that setbacks are not the end of the road, but rather opportunities for growth and resilience.
