Arsenal star Thomas Partey bypassed all of the usual names in football in opting to name a former Chelsea star as his idol.
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The 27-year-old has admitted he is now in a position where many of the younger players look up to him, and he has shed some light as to who his heroes were.
The Ghana international will miss his country's Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sudan as he waits for the results of a scan on a thigh injury, but has confirmed that his compatriot, Michael Essien, remains one of his idols.
"He's a fantastic midfielder. He fights for every ball, he's a great legend. For me, he's one of the best midfielders that we've ever had in Africa," he told Arsenal's official website.
"I think we've all seen what he has done at Chelsea, what he has done for the Black Stars, and for me, he's my idol.
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"I grew up watching Michael Essien, (Sulley) Muntari, the Ayew brothers – they are the people I look up to and they made a lot of impact on Ghanaians.
"I think this is my moment and I have to make sure I take it."
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