Black Stars goalkeeper Benjamin Asare has expressed appreciation to the Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, for rallying public support behind him and the senior national team during Ghana’s campaign at the just-ended FIFA World Cup.

According to Benjamin Asare, he was grateful to the Mayor for believing in him, describing the Mayor as a father and brother whose guidance and support he deeply valued.

Benjamin Asare expressed his appreciation on Monday when he called on the Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey at the City Hall to formally thank the Mayor for encouraging him throughout the competition.

He stated that people could never predict whom God would use to support them in life, adding that he believed there was a divine purpose behind his emergence as Ghana’s national team goalkeeper.

The goalkeeper explained that representing Ghana had always been his dream and heart’s desire, stressing that he remained determined to accomplish something meaningful for the country through football.

He disclosed that although he was unable to attain the level of formal education he had desired, he had never abandoned his ambition of serving Ghana as the goalkeeper of the senior national team.

Benjamin Asare said his experience with the Black Stars had shown him the depth of love and support Ghanaians had for him and pledged to continue giving his best whenever he was called upon to represent the country.

He prayed for strength for himself and his teammates to enable them to achieve the objectives they had set for the national team, adding that he was confident he could count on the Mayor and other well-meaning Ghanaians for guidance and support.

Welcoming the goalkeeper the Mayor of Accra expressed confidence in his abilities and prayed that he secures a contract with international football Clubs.

Hon. Allotey, urged him not to forget his roots and the contribution of Accra Hearts of Oak to his development should he attain greater success in his football career.

The Mayor recalled that Hearts of Oak had previously produced Sammy Adjei, whom he described as one of the finest goalkeepers Ghana had ever produced, and was hopeful that Benjamin Asare would receive the opportunities required to reach the highest level of international football.

He told the goalkeeper that his emergence as the Black Stars’ preferred choice was divinely ordained and that no individual could prevent him from succeeding once his appointed time had come.

Hon. Allotey said Ghanaians were excited about the goalkeeper because his performance inspired confidence and gave supporters hope whenever he featured for the national team.

He compared the confidence associated with Benjamin Asare’s performances to that of former German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn, who was widely regarded as a formidable opponent because of his commanding presence and outstanding goalkeeping ability.

The Mayor proposed a follow-up meeting with the goalkeeper and his management team before Friday to discuss possible areas in which the Assembly and other stakeholders could support his development and future career.

He welcomed Benjamin Asare to the Assembly and assured him that while Hearts of Oak remained his first home, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly would serve as his second home.