Posted On Sunday, 24th March 2013
Daniel Amartey has been a revelation at Swedish side Djurgardens IF.
Djurgardens youngster Daniel Amartey says he has been able to settle quickly at the club due to compatriot Yussif Chibsah.
The 18-year-old signed a professional contract with the Stockholm-based club in January after impressing at the youth team.
“He’s like a brother. I might almost as well say like a father to me. His family is my family here,” the Ghana U20 midfielder said.
“We come from the same area in Ghana so he’s like my father and my everything here.
“He helps me with everything. My training. If I need something, he goes and buys it for me.
“When he has cooked so he calls me and tells me to come and eat. He is very kind to me.”
Chibsah is concerned about his fellow countryman and he takes his “father role” very seriously.
“I drive him back and forth to training. If he needs any help, for example, with Swedish as he does not understand and I explain it to him,” the experienced midfielder said.
“I also help him to keep track of appointments and meetings.”
Amartey has been a revelation since joining from lower division side Inter Allies and hugely impressed in the pre-season and on his debut in the Swedish Cup.
Andreas Johansson’s return has been the most exciting news from the club’s supporters but Amartey’s introduction has changed things.
Djurgardens coach Magnus Pehrsson says the teenager can be as good as Yaya Toure and John Obi Mikel.
But Amartey says: “Michael Essien is my favourite player.”