Interview: Q & A With Emmanuel Agyemang-badu

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SuperSport.com caught up with Black Stars midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu.

SuperSport.com caught up with Black Stars midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu.

SuperSport.com caught up with Black Stars midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu.

The Fifa U20 World Cup winner talks about various competitions he has featured in and his achievements as well.

SuperSport.com: Tell us who Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu?

Agyemang-Badu: I am just a lucky boy who had a dream and through hard work and determination was able to make it as a footballer. Apart from the time you see me on the pitch where I play hard and fight for every ball, I am a down to earth Christian who tries to keep a low profile.

SuperSport: You played in Ghana before moving to Europe. How did you adjust to that?

Agyemang-Badu: When you move you need time to adjust because everything is different. At Udinese they understand this very well and made it easy for me in the end the same way they did for Asa, Sulley, Appiah and the rest.

SuperSport.com: The African Cup of Nations in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, you scored the goal of the tournament against Guinea. How did you feel?

Agyemang-Badu: I knew when I took the shot that it was something special. I was just happy to score from that position and but it would have felt better if it was the winning goal but it?s my best goal so far.

SuperSport.com: What happened at Afcon 2012, you started on high but exited on a low?

Agyemang-Badu: Football is like that sometimes. There are no small teams in Africa anymore and even though we wanted to win the tournament, it didn?t happen. Personally it ended on a low because i was out through injury but we will be back stronger 2013.

SuperSport.com: You scored the winning penalty in Egypt to ensure Ghana becomes the first Africa country to win the Fifa U20 World Cup. Tell us about that achievement.

Agyemang-Badu: We were not only playing for ourselves but for Africa. Brazil has won many of the previous finals and I knew if I scored the penalty we will make history. It was Ghana?s day and I was able to keep my cool and score it. I still remember it like it was yesterday. Great achievement which is written in history now.

SuperSport.com: Are you looking forward to the Champions League since Udinese has qualified?

Agyemang-Badu: Yes it a competition for the top teams and top players so i want to be involved. Last year unfortunately we did not make it past Arsenal but hope we get a better draw and make group stage.

SuperSport.com: As a footballer, who is your role model?

Agyemang-Badu: I like Pirlo very much because he makes football look easy and when I came to Italy it was good because I got to meet him. Great player.

SuperSport.com: What is the toughest match that you have ever played in your career?

Agyemang-Badu: Udinese v AC Milan is the toughest to date.

SuperSport.com: Maybe you could tell us your all-time favourite?

Agyemang-Badu: Easy! Against Brazil in the Under 20 final.

SuperSport.com: As a Ghanaian international, what do you want to do for your team and achieve?

Agyemang-Badu: I want to help put Ghana as one of the top teams in world football by making sure I put in 150 percent every time I get the chance to represent my country.

SuperSport.com: Do you think you can qualify for the World Cup?

Agyemang-Badu: Yes we can. We have done it twice now and no reason why we cannot do it again.

SuperSport.com: The Africa Cup of Nations draw will be done soon, any team you are hoping to avoid or are you relishing the fixture that will decide if you qualify for the African Cup of Nations?

Agyemang-Badu: To be the best you have to beat the best. We fear no one. Whoever we get we will play.

SuperSport.com: What is your favourite team, apart from the one you are featuring in?

Agyemang-Badu: I like Lyon very much. I know you expect me to say a team in England or Spain but its Lyon in France.

SuperSport.com: Will you miss Kwadwo Asamoah since he is set to leave for Juventus?

Agyemang-Badu: Of course who wouldn?t miss Asa? He is not only a friend or a team mate but a very gifted footballer too so I will miss him but its a great step for him.

SuperSport.com: What do you make of your national team?

Agyemang-Badu: The Black Stars is one of the best teams in Africa. Now we have a mix of senior players and some really good young players coming in. We will be ready to take over again as the best in Africa soon.

SuperSport.com: What message would you have for your fans?

Agyemang-Badu: To keep me in their prayers to be injury free this coming season because my best is yet to come. This could be a breakthrough season for me and my fans who I call Team EAB, I love you all.

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