Ghana defender John Paintsil has revealed that he will not play in next month's Africa Cup of Nations because of the knee injury he suffered this week.
The defender twisted his knee in their 2-1 defeat at the hands of Chelsea on Monday which has now a setback to the title ambitions of Ghana at the tournament.
Doctors have now confirmed the fears of Fulham coach Roy Hodgson that the injury is a long-term setback ruling him out of the tournament. A devastated Paintsil rued the missed opportunity of serving his country at the tournament but insists Ghana will win the three-week competition.
"Mum and dad, families, friends, fans, and above all Ghanaians, I just want to say a big sorry to all of you," Pantsil said. "I am saying a big sorry because I will not be making it to the African Cup of Nations in Angola.
"I promise you all that, this team will bring the cup without me in the name of our good Lord. everybody say Amen! "Go Ghana, Go Black Stars Of Ghana."