Emmanuel Frimpong to play for Ghana, claims country's FA
- Published
Arsenal midfielder Frimpong has already represented England at youth level
The president of Ghana's FA, external has said Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong has pledged his future to the country.
The 19-year-old was recently called up by England's Under-21 side but is still eligible to play for the West Africans.
"We met Emmanuel in London last night and after talks, he has signed the document confirming he wants to switch nationality to play for Ghana," Kwesi Nyantakyi told BBC Sport on Tuesday.
"He is a player with enormous potential and will be a great addition to Ghana."
Frimpong met with Ghana FA officials on Monday night after the Black Stars were beaten 1-0 by Brazil, external in an international friendly in London.
"This is a huge step in his career as he will join a talented squad with experienced players who are ready to help him improve," continued Nyantakyi.
Frimpong (centre) met Nyantakyi (right) in London on Monday
"We are not relenting on Frimpong as we will continue to seek Ghanaian players both at home and abroad to continue to make the Black Stars among the best teams in the world."
Born in Ghana's capital Accra in 1992, Frimpong arrived in London as a youngster before joining Arsenal's youth academy aged nine.
He broke into the first team this season while also being selected by England's U21 side for last week's European qualifier against Azerbaijan.
However, he did not feature in a match won 6-0, external by Stuart Pearce's side.
Earlier this year, a similar situation arose over the international future of Danny Welbeck, with the Manchester United star choosing England over Ghana.
Coincidentally, Welbeck then made his senior England debut in a friendly against the Black Stars, external at Wembley in March but because it was not a competitive match, it means he is still eligible to play for Ghana.
To complete his nationality transfer, Frimpong must await Fifa clearance - which is dependent on the world governing body receiving paperwork from the Football Associations of both Ghana and England.