Former Ghanaian football captain Stephen Appiah recently shared a touching story about his former teammate Gargo Mohammed during his acceptance speech at the 9th EMY Africa Awards, where he won the Continental Sports Icon Award. Appiah recounted how Gargo selflessly faked an injury during a friendly game in Italy so that he could give Appiah the chance to make his senior debut.
In his emotional speech, Appiah expressed his deep gratitude towards Gargo for the opportunity he provided. He reminisced about his early days as a budding footballer in Europe and how Gargo’s gesture opened the door for him to experience playing with the senior team.
Appiah vividly recalled the moment when Gargo pretended to be injured in the 80th minute of a friendly match against Sturm Graz from Austria, allowing Appiah to step onto the field and showcase his skills. Despite only playing a few minutes, Appiah made a significant impact by scoring a goal from outside the box, catching the attention of Udinese, who offered him a professional contract.
The former Juventus player was taken aback when he saw his name in the Italian newspapers the next day. He immediately sought out Gargo, who revealed that the coach had instructed him to ensure that Appiah didn’t leave before signing his first international contract. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of Appiah’s successful career in European football.
Appiah and Gargo forged a strong bond during their time together at Udinese. While Appiah went on to play for illustrious clubs like Juventus, Fenerbache, and Parma, Gargo also had a respectable career, representing teams such as Stoke City, Genoa, and Torino, as well as Al-Wakrah SC in Qatar.
The heartwarming story of Gargo Mohammed’s selfless act not only highlights the camaraderie and support that exists in the world of football but also serves as a testament to the power of friendship and mentorship in shaping the careers of young athletes. Appiah’s journey from a promising talent to a revered sports icon is a testament to the impact that one person’s kindness and belief can have on another’s success in the competitive world of professional sports.
