Afriyie Acquah turns 24 today

Serie A side Torino midfielder Afriyie Acquah born on 5 January, 1992 celebrates his 24 birthday today (Thursday).

Youth and senior club football

Born in Sunyani, Brong-Ahafo, Ghana, Acquah began his career in Glentoran Football Academy in Sunyani, Ghana, which established by Northern Irish club Glentoran F.C.

He later transferred to Bechem United, then to DC United. It was from DC united that he joined Palermo of Italy in 2010, before he completed a loan move to Parma in 2012.

Hoffenheim paid a whopping sum of €2.5 million fee on a four-year deal, but wasn’t given any opportunity to play a single match and returned to Parma on loan, following the end of the 2012-13.

In February 2015, his loan spell at Parma was terminated early and he moved to fellow Serie A side Sampdoria, again on loan, before he was signed by Torino in June 2015.

International football

On 26 February 2012, Acquah was called up to the Ghana squad to face Chile.[24] Acquah made his senior Ghana debut against Chile on 29 February 2012 at the PPL Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, USA. On 13 October 2012, in Civo Stadium, Lilongwe he scored a goal for Ghana against Malawi.[26]

In May 2014, Acquah was named in a provisional 26-man squad in the FIFA World Cup by Ghana manager James Kwesi Appiah. On 2 June 2014, Acquah was selected in Ghana's squad for the 2014 tournament. Acquah made his World Cup debut, coming on as a substitute for Mohammed Rabiu in the 76th minutes, in a 2-1 loss against Portugal.