It still hurts that I never played in a World Cup – Laryea Kingston

Laryea Kingston, a former Ghanaian international, claims it still aches that his country was never represented at the FIFA World Cup.

Between 2002 and 2010, the 41-year-old played a crucial role for the Black Stars, making 41 appearances and tallying six goals.

However, because of a red card he received at the AFCON earlier that year, Laryea was not a member of Ghana’s team when the Black Stars participated in their first World Cup in 2006.

Despite playing a significant role in the qualifiers, he was once again controversially left out of Ghana’s 23-man World Cup roster.

The winger’s hopes of competing in the World Cup were dashed, and he decided to retire instead.

Speaking to Accra-based Radio Gold, Laryea said that the fact that he was not a World Cup participant still stings.

“Not going to the World Cup, 2006, 2010 for me is still a tough moment me when I think about it or when I start talking about it,” he said.

“Because in 2006, I played every game, every qualifier, every friendly game, every game throughout the 2006 qualification, I was part of it but I couldn’t make it.

“In 2010, it was the same, I played every single game so last game to go to the World Cup, I was asked to go home.”

The former Heart of Midlothian winger has now transitioned into management and is currently employed as a youth coach.

In February 2022, Laryea obtained a UEFA B coaching license and began working with Right to Dream Academy.