Former Germany international of Ghanaian origin Gerald Asamoah says representing Die Mannschaft was the best decision he took during his footballing career.
Asamoah made his debut for Germany in 2001 against Slovakia, making him the first African-born black player to ever play for the side, as Erwin Kostedde and Jimmy Hartwig, two previous internationals with black ancestry, were both born in Germany to African-American fathers.
He scored on his debut, and went on to play in the 2002 and 2006 World Cups.
Born in Ghana, Asamoah moved to Germany as a 12-year-old, eventually representing the former world champions at the 2002 and 2006 editions of the Fifa World Cup.
He scored six goals in 43 games.
“My first World Cup was in Japan-Korea, I was sitting on the bench and a photographer said, “what are you doing here?” I said I’m a player,” 41-year-old Asamoah told DW Sports.
“People didn’t believe it. How can a black guy play for German? That was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” he said.
“Now you can see how many Black’s play for German team. Black people in German said, ” thank you for doing this,” and “now I’m accepted at the workplace.”
“I never knew it is so hard but after I took the decision, black people support me.”
