I knew nothing about Arsenal’s interest in Shilla Illiasu after the World Cup: Alhaji Grunsah

Thomas Freeman Yeboah 19:11 - 16 April 2020

Alhaji Grunsah

Owner of Kumasi based King Faisal Alhaji Grunsah has responded to the accusation of blocking Shilla Illiasu’s move to Arsenal in 2006 after the FIFA World Cup in Germany.

Illiasu who was one of Ghana’s heroes in the 2006 FIFA World Cup recently made claims that if it hadn’t been the stance Alhaji Grunsah took, he would have ended up playing for English giants Arsenal after the 2006 Mundial.

However, Alhaji Grusah says he knew nothing about any interest from Arsenal for Shilla Illiasu.

“How can I deny my player from signing for a big club like Arsenal?” He asked on Nhyira FM.

“I was entitled to receiving onward transfer fee so it would’ve been irresponsible on my part to block the move.

“He should concentrate on getting a good job and stop putting the blame on me.

“I personally wasn’t aware about his supposed link to Arsenal. I would have been a very proud man to see one of my players playing for Arsenal.” He added.

Shillai Illiasu who was sent on loan from King Faisal to Kotoko in 2005 excelled during the 2006 FIFA World Cup and attracted offers from several clubs, but ended up at Saturn FC in Russia.