Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has taken a nostalgic look back at his time with the Black Stars, revealing the two players he considers the best he ever played alongside—Michael Essien and Andre Ayew.

Agyemang-Badu, a key member of Ghana’s historic U-20 squad that won the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt, earned his first senior call-up ahead of the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Ghana reached the final of that tournament but fell short against a dominant Egyptian side.

Despite missing out on the 2010 FIFA World Cup due to injury, he went on to feature in the 2012 and 2013 AFCON tournaments, helping the Black Stars secure consecutive fourth-place finishes. He was also part of Ghana’s squad at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Reflecting on his journey with the national team, the former Asante Kotoko and Udinese midfielder singled out Essien and Ayew as the standout talents he had the privilege of playing with.

“Michael Essien and Andre Ayew are the best players I’ve played with in the national team,” he said, acknowledging their impact on his career.

Beyond his admiration for Essien and Ayew, Agyemang-Badu also shared fond memories of his close friendship with Kwadwo Asamoah, a bond forged during their four years together at Udinese.

“Kwadwo Asamoah is one of my good friends—I lived with him for four years in Udine. Gyan is good, same as Andre Ayew. Michael Essien gave me his boots,” he recalled.

The veteran midfielder, who last played for Accra Great Olympics, retired with an impressive 78 caps and 11 goals for the national team.